The death of Homo Economicus
1. The reading argues that the economic model of ‘homo economicus’ has led to
widespread exploitation, with work and personal worth reduced to monetary
value, fostering debt, anxiety, and a loss of meaningful public life.
2. Something that stands out is the concept of wreckage economics. Capitalism
not only fails to support society but actively harms it, extracting resources and
value from people and the environment.
3. How can societies transition away from the “homo economicus” model to a
more humane economic paradigm?
Money for everything
1. The reading explores Universal Basic Income as a potential response to
crises, such as COVID-19, technological disruption, and socio-economic
inequalities.
2. The reading highlights the tension between UBI’s potential as a tool for social
transformation and its risks of reinforcing the capitalist structure by focusing
solely on cash transfers without broader systemic reforms.
3. How would combining UBI with universal basic services impact its
effectiveness?