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Is G.A. Cohen’s Egalitarian Ethos Consistent with Unconditional Basic Income?

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  • Lucena de Andrés Julio

    (Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

The egalitarian ethos, as formulated by G.A. Cohen, and the unconditional basic income are two proposals that a priori may seem incompatible. The reason is that Cohen’s ethos – aimed at reducing inequality without sacrificing efficiency or freedom- requires that individuals work hard in socially useful occupations without asking for any inequality-generating incentives. On the contrary, the UBI, as conceived by Van Parijs and van der Veen, consists of an income paid by the government to every full member of society regardless of their willingness to contribute to society in the form of work. In short, the ethos includes a productive requirement while the UBI has an unconditional character. However, if we introduce an absolute level of affluence above what occupational autonomy takes precedence over efficiency and if we broaden the range of socially useful contributions beyond formal employment, the tension between the egalitarian ethos and UBI will be alleviated.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucena de Andrés Julio, 2024. "Is G.A. Cohen’s Egalitarian Ethos Consistent with Unconditional Basic Income?," Basic Income Studies, De Gruyter, vol. 19(2), pages 287-306.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:bistud:v:19:y:2024:i:2:p:287-306:n:1002
    DOI: 10.1515/bis-2022-0024
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. White, Stuart, 2003. "The Civic Minimum: On the Rights and Obligations of Economic Citizenship," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198295051.
    2. Williams Andrew, 2006. "Basic Income and the Value of Occupational Choice," Basic Income Studies, De Gruyter, vol. 1(1), pages 1-5, June.
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