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Eric Silver

I study and teach Behavioral Economics and the future of work utilizing
novel agent-based models and statistical methods.  I also mentor, consult,
and serve on the board of Pittsburgh-based companies.

UBI probably isn't complicated enough

1/24/2020

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Some of the appeal of Universal Basic Income is its universality: a universally given income  may also be accepted without shame and may  be more universally supported.  Worries about UBI being paid to the rich when poorer people need the income tend not to recognize that the UBI which is paid to the rich is also collected from them, and so ends up washing out.  UBI is likely to offer people the chance to enrich their lives through education, pursuit of the arts and community, and via smarter choices about with whom and how they live.  

Missing from this discussion, though, are some unrecognized benefits from work.  Working a job in which you have a manager, co-workers, and customers. These interactions keep mayn within the realm of polite society, exposes people to common ideas and values, and ensure that those who need paternalistic support are able to receive it.

There's a danger with UBI that abusive societies begin flourishing: currently, only cults who can attract dollars thrive.  With UBI, any interest or cause might so flourish. 

This idea is a little bit "gross."  I don't pine for a paternalistic society.  But I do think requiring social participation in order to receive social support might lead to better outcomes for all - even those so controlled.
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    Eric Silver

    I study and teach Behavioral Economics and am writing a dissertation proposing a new model of technology, labor, and automation. I invest through Alt-Capital.com, am a founder of WebKite.com, and father to a one-year old daughter.

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