Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way we live and work. While it presents tremendous opportunities for growth and efficiency, it also poses a significant challenge to employment as jobs become automated. The prospect of job loss from AI is a real and significant concern, with estimates suggesting that up to 47% of US jobs could be at risk of automation in the coming years.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a well-known theory in psychology that describes the different levels of needs that humans have. At the base of the pyramid are physiological needs, followed by safety needs. Above these are needs for love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Maslow’s theory suggests that people cannot fulfill higher-level needs until their basic needs are met.
The government has a responsibility to provide for the basic needs of its residents, including food, shelter, and healthcare. These needs fall under the first two levels of Maslow’s hierarchy, and without them, people cannot progress to higher levels. Providing for these basic needs is an essential function of government and is necessary to ensure that all people living in the community have the opportunity to reach their full potential. In addition to the government’s responsibility to provide for basic needs, there is also a basic sense of compassion that suggests we should help those in need. No one should have to go without food, shelter, or healthcare. Providing for these needs is not only a moral obligation but also a practical one, as people who are struggling to meet their basic needs are unlikely to be able to contribute fully to society.
Recognizing the importance of basic needs is essential for creating a just and equitable society. While the specifics of Maslow’s hierarchy may be debated, the fundamental concept remains the same: without meeting our most basic physiological and safety needs, it is difficult if not impossible to pursue higher-level needs. Providing for these needs is not only a moral imperative but also a practical one, as people who are struggling to meet their basic needs are unlikely to be able to contribute fully to society. By ensuring that everyone has access to a minimum standard of living, we can create a foundation of support that allows individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. This is the basis for UBI and other social welfare programs that seek to create a more just and equitable society for all.
Our economy relies on consumers to drive growth and create jobs. If people do not have money to spend, businesses will not have customers, and the economy will stagnate. Universal Basic Income (UBI) can be an effective way to ensure that people have enough money to spend, even if they are not working. This, in turn, can help to stimulate economic growth and create new jobs.
UBI provides a way to address the potential job loss from AI while also ensuring that people have their basic needs met. By providing a guaranteed income to all residents, UBI can help to alleviate the stress and uncertainty of job loss, allowing people to focus on finding new opportunities or pursuing education or training. At the same time, UBI can help to stimulate the economy by ensuring that people have money to spend, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and job creation.
Critics of UBI argue that it would be too expensive and discourage people from working. However, research suggests that a well-designed UBI program can actually encourage people to work by providing a safety net that allows them to take risks and pursue their passions without the fear of poverty. Moreover, UBI can be funded through a variety of mechanisms, including taxes on high earners and wealth, which can help to reduce inequality and ensure that everyone benefits from economic growth.
In conclusion, AI is transforming the way we work, and the potential job loss from AI is a significant challenge for our society. However, UBI offers a promising solution that can help to address the issue while also ensuring that people have their basic needs met. By providing a guaranteed income to all residents, UBI can help to alleviate the stress and uncertainty of job loss, stimulate the economy, and create new opportunities for growth and innovation. As we confront the challenges of the future, it is time for us to seriously consider UBI as a way to ensure a better future for all.
Written by Ron Ziroby Romero with assistance from ChatGPT
Image credit: Maslow’s_Hierarchy_of_Needs.svg User:Factoryjoe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons