how is knowledge a public good ?

Conversely, can you think of any one thing that has caused more problems than ignorance?

go over the criteria; what makes a good a public good vs a private good

Knowledge is often considered a public good because it exhibits two key characteristics: non-excludability and non-rivalry.

First, knowledge is non-excludable, meaning that it is difficult to prevent others from accessing or using it once it is available. Once knowledge enters the public domain, it can be shared widely without depleting its availability to others. For example, if someone shares knowledge through a book, website, or public lecture, anyone can access and benefit from that knowledge without reducing its accessibility for others.

Second, knowledge is non-rivalrous, meaning that its consumption or use by one person does not diminish its availability to others. Unlike physical goods that can be used up or depleted, knowledge can be freely consumed by multiple individuals simultaneously. For instance, if someone learns a new concept or idea, their knowledge does not prevent others from also learning and benefiting from the same concept.

Due to these characteristics, knowledge can be considered a public good because it can be shared, accessed, and used by the public without unnecessary restrictions or diminishing its value. This is why the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge often lead to broader societal benefits and advancements in various areas such as science, education, technology, and culture.