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Real Freedom for All Revisited – Normative Justifications of Basic Income

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  • Henderson Troy

    (Department of Political Economy, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia)

Abstract

This paper contributes to debates regarding the normative justification of basic income (BI) via a critical reevaluation of Philippe Van Parijs’ ‘real-libertarian’ theory. Van Parijs’ work constitutes the most ambitious attempt within the literature to ground a justification of BI within a systematic normative framework. In this paper I argue that key elements of his framework should form part of any progressive justification of BI. Specifically, his linking of the principle of ‘real freedom for all’ with the policy mechanism of the ‘highest sustainable basic income.’ I take issue with Van Parijs’ treatment of compensation for unequal internal endowments based on the criterion of ‘undominated diversity’ and I reject the ‘external resources’ approach to justifying the funding of a substantial BI, including Van Parijs’ ‘jobs as assets’ argument. I introduce the concept of ‘total social productivity’ as a means of understanding the production and reproduction of society in a manner that anchors the justification of BI in a commitment to a ‘deep form of social reciprocity.’ Finally, I suggest that BI be framed as a ‘pragmatic-utopian reform.’

Suggested Citation

  • Henderson Troy, 2017. "Real Freedom for All Revisited – Normative Justifications of Basic Income," Basic Income Studies, De Gruyter, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:bistud:v:12:y:2017:i:1:p:9:n:3
    DOI: 10.1515/bis-2016-0022
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John Cunliffe & Guido Erreygers (ed.), 2004. "The Origins of Universal Grants," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-0-230-52282-4.
    2. Amartya Sen, 2005. "Human Rights and Capabilities," Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(2), pages 151-166.
    3. Parijs, Philippe Van, 1997. "Real Freedom for All: What (if Anything) Can Justify Capitalism?," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198293576.
    4. Wright Erik Olin, 2006. "Basic Income as a Socialist Project," Basic Income Studies, De Gruyter, vol. 1(1), pages 1-11, June.
    5. van der Veen Robert J. & Van Parijs Philippe, 2006. "A Capitalist Road to Communism," Basic Income Studies, De Gruyter, vol. 1(1), pages 1-23, June.
    6. Philippe VAN PARIJS, 1990. "Equal Endowments as Undominated Diversity," Discussion Papers (REL - Recherches Economiques de Louvain) 1990034, Université catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherches Economiques et Sociales (IRES).
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