Review (at least) one peer's debate in full, then respond to their post to facilitate discussion and further engagement. Do you agree or disagree with their claims? Why or why not? Do you feel as though your mind has been changed? Why or why not?

For this discussion, I chose this debate: The Universal Basic Income Is The Safety Net Of The Future. Link: https://opentodebate.org/debate/universal-basic-income-safety-net-future/Links to an external site.

The issue being debated: The ethical and economic implications of implementing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) program are being debated. Jason Furman and Jared Bernstein argueagainst UBI (12:00 - 18:00, 25:00 - 31:00). Their primary point is that guaranteed income would reduce people's motivation to work, leading to a decline in the workforce and economic productivity. They also state that this bill means it is going to people who don't need the bill, such as people of wealth, rich, and famous (42:03). For the motion team, Charles Murray and Andrew Stern state that it can boost the incomes of the lower/middle class to the point where they can afford more than mere groceries and rent (23:00 - 25:00). They also argue that UBI can empower individuals and foster a sense of agency, allowing them to participate more actively in the community.

Most Controversial: Bernstein argued that giving a dollar to someone who doesn't need it is a dollar isn't going to someone who does need it. The bill also gives about $12,000 a year to the rich, including Bill Gates (42:03). I think that if the Universal Basic Income (UBI) was intended for people in the middle or lower income brackets, then it doesn't make sense for high-income earners to receive the same benefit from the government.

Criticize of the argument: While the concern about work disincentive is a valid consideration, several arguments counter Bernstein and Furman's viewpoint:

Studies conducted on Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilot programs in different locations have not shown a significant decrease in work hours. Instead, many people have used the additional income to pursue education, upskill themselves, or take care of family responsibilities (Allas et al., 2020). This could lead to better career prospects in the long term. UBI could help alleviate poverty, improve living standards, and boost the overall economy through increased consumer spending. With automation displacing jobs at an alarming rate, UBI could provide a safety net for individuals whose jobs become obsolete and offer them the opportunity to adapt and acquire new skills.