But would you receive a huge bonus if you were 420 times smarter than a mere worker? Expand the question out further, SHOULD you even receive a big bonus, or should you spread that out amongst the stupider people you work with?
I think there is no question that some people deserve to be paid more than others. But, I think the point Sandel makes (and the cartoon) is not that some people do not deserve a higher compensation, but rather that is it feasible that those at top work 420 times harder or are 420 times more talented or 420 times smarter etc.
I think another question is whether things aren't upside down. Who does any society really need more: the CEO of the company that makes their toilet paper OR the man who fixes the toilet or sewer? The people at the top aren't necessarily there because they give more value and hence deserve more money. They may just be luckier (relatives, ability to fast-talk people, prettier, etc.).
But would you receive a huge bonus if you were 420 times smarter than a mere worker? Expand the question out further, SHOULD you even receive a big bonus, or should you spread that out amongst the stupider people you work with?
ReplyDeleteI think there is no question that some people deserve to be paid more than others. But, I think the point Sandel makes (and the cartoon) is not that some people do not deserve a higher compensation, but rather that is it feasible that those at top work 420 times harder or are 420 times more talented or 420 times smarter etc.
ReplyDeleteI think another question is whether things aren't upside down. Who does any society really need more: the CEO of the company that makes their toilet paper OR the man who fixes the toilet or sewer? The people at the top aren't necessarily there because they give more value and hence deserve more money. They may just be luckier (relatives, ability to fast-talk people, prettier, etc.).
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely correct and it is something Sandel will addresses later in the book, the idea of moral luck.
ReplyDelete