Commons, the Golden Rule and Sea Fi elds in Jeju Jeju

Abstract

"Ostrom's commons theory is based on the erroneous premise that differences in the resource management method originate from the physical attributes of resources such as subtractability and non excludability. Thus, the theory fails to exp lain that the same resource may become private goods and toll goods, or common pool resources and public goods depending on the social conditions. Commons must be defined not by physical attributes but by social ones. In this study, rivalry and legitimacy of monopoly are presented as the criteria for resource classification instead of subtractability and non excludability. Mor eover, it was found through sea fields management in Jeju that legitimacy of monopoly is evaluated by the golden rule, more specifica lly the principle of fairness and respect for human life."