by Josh Martin | Jul 30, 2014 | Research
Introduction:
“The material prosperity that capitalism has wrought is the product of technology as well as markets (and social norms and state institutions). Markets enhance the efficiency of allocation of resources, such as human labour, between competing projects, while technological innovations enhance the productivity of our use of those resources, the ability to produce more with less. As Keynes prophesised in his famous essay, Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren (1930), the seemingly relentless trend of rising productivity promises to finally end the ‘economic problem’: the struggle to overcome scarcity that has characterised the human condition since our beginning. Finally, we can turn as a society to considering what our enormous wealth can do for us, rather than what we must do to get it.
Yet this is not a time for complacency. Unless we intervene, the same economic system that has produced this astonishing prosperity will return us to the Dickensian world of winners and losers that characterised the beginning of capitalism, or worse. The problem is this, how will ordinary people earn a claim on the material prosperity of the capitalist economy if that economy doesn’t need our labour anymore?”
The Philosopher’s Beard, “The looming crisis of Capitalism: Why we need Universal Basic Income”, The Philosopher’s Beard, 30 May 2014.
(Source: The Philosopher's Beard)
by Josh Martin | Jul 29, 2014 | Research
[Josh Martin]
McKay’s article is an informed reaction to the news that the Basic Income Canada Network has proposed a $20,000 minimum income for all Canadians. McKay clarifies the differences between the minimum wage debates and this minimum income plan and then continues to cover some of the history of minimum income policies throughout the world.
Tom McKay, “The Most Radical Idea For a Minimum Wage Hike Yet Is Being Floated in Canada”, Mic, 30 June 2014.
(Source: Mic)
by Josh Martin | Jul 28, 2014 | Research
[Josh Martin]
In this post, Hartmann discusses the alarming inequality in West Virginia as well as the extreme poverty many families face in the coal-reliant state. Hartmann acknowledges coal’s importance to the state by suggesting implementing a program similar to the Alaska Permanent Fund, which distributes a dividend funded by taxes on its oil reserves to each citizen of Alaska every year in the form of an unconditional cash transfer, making it a form of a universal basic income. As Alaskans benefit from their state’s massive oil reserves, Hartmann thinks West Virginians should benefit from its coal business.
Thom Hartmann, “What West Virginia can learn from Sarah Palin”, Thom Hartmann Program, 7 July 2014.
Thom Hartmann
by Josh Martin | Jul 27, 2014 | Research
[Josh Martin]
Universal Basic Income Europe (UBIE) provides an extensive overview of basic income ideas throughout history. Beginning with Thomas More in the 16th century, UBIE methodically and chronologically adds entries all the way into the 21st century.
Universal Basic Income Europe, “A Brief History of Basic Income Ideas”, UBIE.org, 2014.
(Source: UBIE.org)
by Josh Martin | Jul 26, 2014 | Research
Introduction:
“We do economy as if we were not part of the world. And in a terrifying sense, we are not. But accepting this means to abandon all hope that capitalism might be reformed or some other kind of economy might step in instead.
Many try to envision means to supplant or expand capitalism in order to reduce its harmful effects. Besides discussions on growth, monetary systems, taxation, there is one on “Basic Income” or “General Living Income”. Trying to revamp capitalism with a guaranteed “income” that without claim or justification provides the essential needs for everybody struggles with conceptual problems of how even to describe the allocation and its systemic position. One problem is that the concepts used stem from full-fledged capitalism itself and enshrine their negative connotations. An other is that within the given economic system those means cannot but cushion the worst consequences. They do not seem to have the potential to “transform” the system as a whole.
We need an economic system that not only provides but equally rests on mutual welfare. The reasons for this are manifold, and it seems fit to start with some observations, to “beat the neighbouring bushes”, as Wilfried Sellars once famously said.”
Simsa0, “Towards an Economy of the World-Ingrained Self”, Simsa0’s WordPress, 13 March 2013.
