Entanglement renders free riding redundant in the thermodynamic limit.

Abstract The free rider problem is one of the most well studied problems in economics. The solution proposed mainly is punitive in order to deter people from free riding. In this work we introduce quantum strategies and also study the problem by using the mathematical structure of 1D Ising model in the infinite player limit. We observe that for maximum entanglement the quantum strategy is always the equilibrium solution, i.e., the strategy chosen by majority of the players independent of the payoffs, solving the free rider problem. Highlights • The problem of free riding, an all encompassing question in social sciences, brings diverse topics as climate change and tax dodging under the same umbrella. • In the thermodynamic limit of quantum public goods game when the players can choose between free ride and quantum strategy, a phase transition occurs depending on the degree of entanglement. • When entanglement is maximum then irrespective of payoffs, the majority always choose quantum strategy and do not free ride. • In the thermodynamic limit of the quantum Public goods game, the defectors are always a minority even if the reward for investing is low and the cost of the good is high. • The paper should be of interest to readers in the areas of evolutionary biology, game theory, statistical physics, quantum physics and biophysics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]