Utopia for Realists: And How We Can Get There

Is Bregman correct to depict today’s world as a “Land of Plenty”? If so, is material satisfaction a cause of psychological distress? If not, what do you think causes the ennui he describes? Explain your reasoning either way.

To support the case for Universal Basic Income, Bregman cites relatively few studies, and these are limited by both geography and time. Are they sufficient to establish his conclusion that such a policy would unquestionably benefit society? Explain your reasoning, citing the text and other sources relevant to your argument.

If there were a basic income plan, who would qualify? Should it be everyone or limited to those at certain income levels? Should there be differences for veterans, families with children, or other groups? Might historically marginalized groups receive greater sums as part of a reparations plan? Discuss your own proposal for this policy.