IMHO, we need more more large scale studies to be done before we can completely dismiss the idea of UBI.
I have no issue of producing studies. But, there are a few fundamental things about UBI (as well as any other non-voluntary wealth transfer system):
(1) By their very nature, they are coerced. This violates what I see as basic human rights to property and life. To take property(in this case money) from one person and to give it to another person is theft — assuming that property was obtained through non-criminal means.
(2) My understanding of ‘human nature’ includes a constant, persistent desire to be more efficient, in effect to obtain more from working less. This is the drive which ultimately motivates all innovations and improvements. Every human I have ever met chooses the easiest/best/most efficient method (limited by their knowledge and perceptions, of course) to obtain the things they desire. Although we have many drives, this one is so fundamental and ingrained that its effect often overwhelms the combined effects of other influences. And so, UBI simply ‘must’ dampen a persons motivation to some degree… no matter what any study may find. The‘results of a study are not immutable facts, they are observations and opinion as to the cause and effects studied. I understand that the researchers involved are often very diligent in their attempts to account for all possible factors and influences, but, never-the-less, these researchers ARE human and do not of omniscient knowledge involving any circumstance, let alone the drives and inner workings of the human mind. So, I feel it is morally wrong to justify the use of coercive force based on studies, which may very well be cherry-picked as often governmental agencies are want to do.
IF UBI were instituted as a complete replacement to all other forms of welfare and various safety nets, I might be more inclined to support it…. but that will not happen, of that I am sure.
