Basic Income and Justice:

Reflections for a Debate

Abstract

Basic income is the subject of an intense debate, which has been particularly relevant in relation to the concepts of 'distribution' and 'justice'. This is an idea that has developed into a transversal theory. Its scope is evidenced by the fact that it attracts not only leftwing political movements that understand the proposal to defend the extension of real freedom, but also liberals who advocate freedom for all, as opposed to dependence on
the state. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to analyze and summarize various positions involved in this debate, which explores the relationship between justice and basic income. Methodology: The viewpoints of authors such as Van Parijs, Rawls, Dworkin, Nozick, Felipe Giménez Pérez, Daniel Raventós, Amartya Sen and Nancy Fraser were discussed and analyzed. The variety of authors and their analyses enabled for a diversified sample of positions. Results: Considering the limits and scope of some of the theoretical approaches focusing on the relationship between justice and basic income, the results of this research allow for a deeper understanding of the sociopolitical challenge of economic inequality through the idea of basic income, both on a nationstate scale and on a global scale. Conclusions: Basic income is presented to us as an instrument in the struggle for social justice in increasingly unequal societies, despite the wealth they generate. In this way, this manuscript aims to understand and present the various positions on the problem of justice and distribution that may arise when discussing basic income. The purpose is therefore to initiate a debate on basic income and integrate it into a common project for creating an inclusive society that is more egalitarian and fair for all.