What is the problem with pure public goods?

Question

In general, what is the problem with pure public goods; that is, why can't the private market (a private firm, for example) finance and provide them?

Answer 1

meg's right.  Remember the "free rider" problem.

Answer 2

Please vote me as your best answer!

Answer 3

A pure public good is one that can not be sold so it can generate no profits, so the is no incentive for the market to produce it.

Def:   consumption of the good by one individual does not reduce availability of the good for consumption by others; and that no one can be effectively excluded from using the good.