See Future Thule.
In the kind of economy with which we are familiar:
(i) Individuals work to produce goods or services, thus earning a wage or salary with which to buy goods or services. However, the quantity of goods or services that they produce is more than the quantity that they can afford to buy. Thus, the controllers of the process make a profit.
(ii) When individuals access goods or services, money (cash or bank account) is a convenient, standardized form of exchange.
In the future society of "Thule," (i) no longer happens while all goods and all machinable services are as abundant as air so why does "basic share" come in the form of money?
"Basic share" at least means that every individual has an equal share or stake in society and in its technology. We need to be shown people acting collectively, not just as atomized individuals. When we try to imagine a qualitatively different society, how many assumptions do we still make based on our own social experience?
5 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
No, the value of goods and services depends on whether their hoped for customers wants them. The marginal utility theory of value teaches us that in a range of goods and services the most successful providers will be those who offer such goods at a quality and a range of prices their customers are willing to pay for. The profit comes from whatever is left over after costs, taxes, salaries, a reasonable reserve, etc., is deducted.
Labor alone cannot guarantee any sales.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
There is a disagreement here but I am not sure what it is. Profit is left after costs including wages or salaries are deducted. Thus, waged or salaried employees produce more than the value that they are paid.
Labour alone does not guarantee sales, of course.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
I was commenting on your point "i". I was trying to say the value placed on any goods or services is subjective, and depends on what buyers are willing or able to pay.
I don't think we seriously disagree here.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
Then what is the point?
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
To avoid any excessive stress placed on "labor."
Ad astra! Sean
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