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> The problem is not inequality, the problem is poverty.

In terms of experienced disutility, the two are largely the same; relative deprivation is a very significant source of disutility.



Arguable. Being hungry, homeless or sick is an actual problem that causes people great suffering. Driving a Honda while one's neighbor drives a Ferrari shouldn't cause anyone any suffering (if it does, it's self-inflicted). The former is poverty, the latter is inequality.


> Arguable.

Well, in a world where no one studied the issue, maybe.

> Being hungry, homeless or sick is an actual problem that causes people great suffering.

So is relative deprivation.

> Driving a Honda while one's neighbor drives a Ferrari shouldn't cause anyone any suffering.

"Should" and "is" aren't the same thing. One is a statement of preference, the other of reality.


So are you arguing that having less luxury than others (but still luxury) causes people psychological pain, so society should give everyone everything they want? I don't think even the most hardcore communists ever asked for that.


> So are you arguing that having less luxury than others (but still luxury) causes people psychological pain, so society should give everyone everything they want?

No. You can tell that, because I didn't:

1) Assert the premise you propose, or

2) Assert the conclusion you propose.

> I don't think even the most hardcore communists ever asked for that.

Probably not. It's a ridiculous strawman you just invented.




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