The Hedonist Case for a Basic Income

11 Pages Posted: 28 Aug 2017

Date Written: August 25, 2017

Abstract

Arguments for a basic income from a hedonistic utilitarian perspective are rarely discussed in the literature. This paper discusses the hedonist case for a basic income, based on a broad Epicurean (and slightly Millian) conception of happiness. The conclusion is that basic income, at least prima facie, seems to have many advantages from a hedonist perspective, although there are empirical contextual factors that may weaken the argument, for instance the degree to which the no-activity-requirement principle inherent in basic income reinforces involuntary passive isolation among some individuals, the degree to which the non-hedonist minority are willing to contribute to the costs of a basic income scheme, and the degree to which voters are willing to grant basic income to immigrants.

Keywords: hedonism, utilitarianism, Epicurus, John Stuart Mill

Suggested Citation

Olsson, Mikael, The Hedonist Case for a Basic Income (August 25, 2017). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3026003 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3026003

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