The issue with a universal basic income (UBI) is that it's a massive gamble. Trials on a small scale can't be projected onto a national or international economy. It's more akin to releasing an invasive species into an ecosystem.
If it works, great. But it strikes me as something akin to communism - not ideologically, but in terms of practicality; it sounds great in theory but it relies on a utopian view of humanity. The most utopian of views being that it will do nothing to lessen people's willingness to work.
But UBI alone is not going to provide the framework for life that work does. It seems a step towards a Mega-City-One existence. I think a more fundamental restructuring of existence would be necessary.
But UBI alone is not going to provide the framework for life that work does. It seems a step towards a Mega-City-One existence. I think a more fundamental restructuring of existence would be necessary.
What is a "framework for life"? Are you saying that people will just sit around watching TV (or similar) if not forced to get a job?
I would probably do that myself if it were not clear what I should spend my time and energy doing. I don't think people need to be forced to work to survive but work does provide meaningful structure for many. Involuntary unemployment is rightly regarded as being bad for both individuals and communities, and not just for financial reasons.
I would probably do that myself if it were not clear what I should spend my time and energy doing. I don't think people need to be forced to work to survive but work does provide meaningful structure for many. Involuntary unemployment is rightly regarded as being bad for both individuals and communities, and not just for financial reasons.
Is that not primarily because society treats unemployment as a moral failing, and treats work as a sign of responsible adulthood? It's not at all clear that it applies to not needing to work.
Comments
If it works, great. But it strikes me as something akin to communism - not ideologically, but in terms of practicality; it sounds great in theory but it relies on a utopian view of humanity. The most utopian of views being that it will do nothing to lessen people's willingness to work.
What is a "framework for life"? Are you saying that people will just sit around watching TV (or similar) if not forced to get a job?
Is that not primarily because society treats unemployment as a moral failing, and treats work as a sign of responsible adulthood? It's not at all clear that it applies to not needing to work.
(Farage apparently received £5M from one such).