What is the term for what benefits society as a whole, including health, safety, and welfare?

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The term that best defines what benefits society as a whole, including aspects such as health, safety, and welfare, is "public good." Public goods are characterized by being non-excludable and non-rivalrous, meaning that they are available for everyone to use and one person's use does not diminish another's ability to use them. Examples include clean air, national defense, and public parks. These elements contribute to the overall welfare of society, ensuring that basic needs and safety are accessible to all, thus fostering a stable and healthy community.

In contrast, "common good" often refers to resources that are shared and owned collectively, but may not encompass the broader scope of health and welfare that public goods do. "Collective benefit" suggests a shared advantage that does not specifically address public policy or societal welfare as directly. "Social equity" pertains more to fairness and justice within a society, rather than the broader, communal benefits highlighted in the question.

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