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Thesis A universal basic income would make people freer, not lazier

Javier Morales Fellow
· 5 replies · 187 views
Rights & libertyAnalytic#basic-income#freedom
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Where it stands

Philippe Van Parijs, in Real Freedom for All (1995), argues that a just society should maximise everyone's real freedom to do whatever they might want to do, and that an unconditional basic income is the best way to do it.

Republicans in Philip Pettit's sense add another argument: a basic income gives people an exit option, so they're no longer dominated by bosses, landlords or partners they can't afford to leave.

On the empirical side, Finland's 2017–2018 experiment found small effects on employment but clear improvements in well-being and trust.

The classic objection is reciprocity. Rawls once remarked that those who surf all day off Malibu shouldn't be supported by public funds. I'll argue that the freedom argument outweighs it.

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5 replies

For the thesis 2

  1. Deepa Nair

    For Fellow

    The domination argument is the strongest one. In India a lot of unpaid domestic labour by women depends on their having nowhere else to go. A basic income in their own name would change that more than any labour law.

    Helpful · 3
  2. Nur Aisyah Rahman

    For Fellow

    Automation makes this more urgent. If a large share of routine analytical work disappears, a system that ties survival to employment will produce enormous insecurity. Freedom then means not being terrified of the next round of layoffs.

    Helpful · 2

Against the thesis 2

  1. Henrike Vogel

    Against Fellow

    Reciprocity seems to me a serious objection, not a prejudice. Most people work at jobs they wouldn't choose, partly so that others can be supported. Asking them to fund those who choose not to work at all asks more of them than it gives.

    Helpful · 2
    1. Javier Morales

      Author’s response Fellow

      Henrike, reciprocity assumes paid work is the only contribution. Care, volunteering and raising children are already done without pay. A basic income partly recognises what is already being given.

      Helpful · 1
  2. Youssef Benali

    Against Fellow

    In Morocco we've had targeted cash transfers to poor families, with conditions like school attendance. They're not perfect, but every dirham goes where it's most needed. An unconditional payment to everyone, rich included, seems a luxury that poorer states can't afford.