The concept of a public good has long recognized in philosophy and economics. Famous thinkers from Aristotle to John Rawls have all argued that goods which sustain individual and societal welfare must be collectively protected.
Traditionally, a public good is defined as non-excludable, meaning no one can be denied access, and non-rivalrous, where one person’s use does not diminish another’s. This traditionally includes clean air, safe drinking water, and public safety.
