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While I agree with the sentiment (data is the only reasonable way to make large-scale decisions), it is important to remember that any utility analysis needs to
by wyager 10y ago
While I agree with the sentiment (data is the only reasonable way to make large-scale decisions), it is important to remember that any utility analysis needs to include such factors as the negative utility associated with workers knowing that xy% of their paycheck is going to support people who don't have any work obligations.
For example, if UBI resulted in marginally improved economic conditions by some utilitarian heuristic over a somewhat more laissez-faire system, I would probably prefer the more laissez-faire system due to the social/moral value I ascribe to greater freedom and autonomy.
I'm sure you're aware of this notion, but I figured it made a good addendum to what you said.
- sauronlord 10y agoA certain % of my paycheck is already going to those people via soup kitchens, and the like. It would be nice to know, assuming UBI is more effective, that the redistribution is not done in a condescending way. Such as empowering people to make their own decisions and be more autonomous vs. high overhead bureaucracies interfering with peoples' lives at the micro level. I think your expression of "greater freedom and autonomy" is in line with UBI (once again, assuming there is clear evidence that there is a net benefit and no more money leaves my wallet in either system)
- wyager 10y ago> I think your expression of "greater freedom and autonomy" is in line with UBI While this is a reasonable argument, and why I would prefer UBI to existing welfare schemes, my definition of "freedom" doesn't include anything that you force someone else to pay for, and my definition of "autonomy" doesn't include living off the sweat of other people. They're almost antonymous, in fact.