4 ms·
That's one half of it. The other half is making sure that people can bargain from a position of power rather than getting stuck in a spiral of exploitative tra
by clavalle 11y ago
That's one half of it.
The other half is making sure that people can bargain from a position of power rather than getting stuck in a spiral of exploitative transactions.
- jpadkins 11y agohow do you do that? Which people get to be in a position of power? Who decides?
- clavalle 11y agoIt's easy, from a conceptual standpoint: Make sure everyone has enough to eat, a place to live, and access to healthcare etc. Basically, make sure no one is in a position where they have to bargain away something of value in exchange for their life or to avoid pain. A 'position of power' in this case means not bargaining to avoid death or pain. ALL people should be in such a position; no need to pick and choose. That is also how you decide -- just ask 'Will lack of this cause someone physical pain or death?' If the answer is 'yes' society should do its best to provide it to those who are not in a position to get it for themselves. The goal is to make sure when people engage in a transaction that everyone walks away with more value than they brought to the table. That's the magic of the market. But when people either need to strike a bargain or pay a dreadful price -- well, that's why muggings don't lead to market efficiency, isn't it?
- Solarsail 11y agoPicking a nit, but: That isn't from a 'position of power'. That's avoiding transactions where the other party has a position of power. Two countries wishing to operate from a position of power may engage in a cold war or the like. Not to say a social safety net to ensure life never hangs in the balance wouldn't prevent some unfair transactions from occurring...