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Reciprocity And The Guaranteed Income, Karl Widerquist
Reciprocity And The Guaranteed Income, Karl Widerquist
Karl Widerquist
This paper argues that a guaranteed income is not only consistent with the principle of reciprocity but is required for reciprocity. This conclusion follows from a three-part argument. First, if a guaranteed income is in place, all individuals have the same opportunity to live without working. Therefore, those who choose not to work do not take advantage of a privilege that is unavailable to everyone else. Second, in the absence of an unconditional income, society is, in effect, applying the principle, “(S)he who does not work, will not eat.” If the application of this principle is to be consistent with …