It's a word that describes the phenomenon whereby actors in groups agree that a specific principle is true, and/or agree to be bound by a certain principle, yet individually they demand exceptions from the principle; or reject the principle as applied to their individual situation; or refuse to accept any of the principle's concomitant effects or constraints. It's related to NIMBYism, game theory, and the tragedy of the commons. The word encompasses all of the following examples: 1. Claiming that Congress as an institution is completely corrupt and dysfunctional, but one's own congressman is above reproach. 2. Endorsing nuclear power for the community, but refusing to allow the reactor to be located anywhere near one's home (classic NIMBYism). 3. An OPEC nation agreeing to production limits in concert with other countries, then breaking them by pumping more than its oil quota. It could be a the name of theory. It could fall under economics, or political science, or several other disciplines. Rep for any/all guesses! Go!
Good guesses so far. But, I await further responses! More Clues/hints: 1. This could be a word, phrase, or the name of a theory. 2. Something in economics is a distinct possibility. 3. It emphasizes the difference between group, and individual behavior, and the fact that what's best for an entity (a person, a country) when it's part of a group, is not necessarily what's best when it's acting individually or in isolation.
The closest thing I found was some game theory exercise, but it still didn't seem to be quite the thing. I'd post a link but I forgot what it was called. Anyway, I'm very interested in discovering the answer, and it doesn't look like anyone is going to guess correctly, so . . .
