Courses related to Universal Basic Income

Among the various objections to UBI, one concern its moral adequacy: Isn’t it fundamentally unjust to give cash to all indiscriminately rather than to those who need it and deserve it? Over the years, a variety of scholars have defended the policy on moral grounds, arguing that UBI is a tool of equality, liberal freedom, republican freedom, gender equity, or racial equity. Many others have attacked UBI on those very same grounds, making the case that alternative policy proposals like the job guarantee, means-tested benefits, conditional benefits, or reparations should be preferred. In this class, students will learn about political theory and ethics through the specific angle of the policy proposal, and they will develop an expertise on the philosophy, politics and economics of UBI.

The seminar is open to undergraduate and graduate students in all departments. There are no pre-requisites.