A Spirited Debate: UBI Meets the Catholic Demand for a Just Wage

IHE Executive Director Joseph Capizzi moderates an Oxford-style debate between Marquette University’s Kate Ward and The Catholic University of America’s Catherine Pakaluk on the motion, RESOLVED: “A universal basic income meets the Catholic demand for a Just Wage.”

One of the great advantages of Catholic social teaching is that it is normally stated in general terms of values, principles and goals, not specific programs. It is the reason that Catholic social teaching doesn’t fit into either political party’s platform and why Catholics of good standing in the Church can exercise prudential judgement and come to different conclusions.

As Catholics we are called to honor the human dignity of each person we encounter and encouraged to approach conversations with civility, clarity, and compassion. In this spirit, we invite you to join us as Dr. Ward and Dr. Pakaluk debate whether a universal basic income (UBI) aligns with Catholic social teaching’s call for a just wage.

The Catholic Information Center and The Institute for Human Ecology cosponsored this event.