The problem with such line of reasoning is an underlying assumption that we have to create a social order that "optimizes" the distribution of wealth in order to achieve some "just" result.
I find this assumption incorrect, and desired result unachievable.
Every person has a different picture of what a "just" distribution of wealth is, and what "optimal" society is. Some think that humanity should concentrate on art & philosophy, and those professions should be rewarded the best. Others are more concerned with our self-preservation, and think that science, and foremost climate science should be rewarded the most. Third just want to enjoy the good life right now, and don't really give a crap about any of those global goals or future generations.
Of course, you may consider some of those people to be more correct and others, and it's not the point. Democracy didn't arise in order to get to the truth - democracy have arisen as a tool for people who think each other as complete idiots and fools to solve their differences without killing each other. If you decide that one of those goals should be the goal of the whole humanity, the problem isn't that you will be incorrect - the problem is that a lot of people will disagree with you, and will defend their point of view. Quite possibly, with violence. And whatever your goal for the humanity was, you won't be able to built a society optimized about that metric anyway.
The capitalist system that we have instead is much wiser. It's not built with a "purpose" in mind. It's built for each person to pursue his own purpose, giving him an ability do compete with others. Any kind of influence, any kind of resource other people want that you have - you can use them in a capitalist system to pursue your goals, and you can keep the exploits. If you don't have what other people want, you don't have the influence. The fact that other people think that "an english major shouldn't have to work at McDonalds" don't mean shit unless they're willing to put their money where their mouth is and donate to your literature-related Kickstarter instead of having a Happy Meal.
Of course it's not "fair". Such a concept doesn't exist across many different minds. But it's a system that individual people decide to build using their own resources over series of small decisions and needs throughout their lives. Seems like a much more stable system than something built out of abstract concept of "justice" and "higher purpose" forced by some people on others.
Are you sure you meant to reply to my comment and not some other one? Because the argument that you're arguing against (that there is some 'just' distribution of wealth) was not the one I was making (though I'd be happy to make that one too if you'd like).
I find this assumption incorrect, and desired result unachievable.
Every person has a different picture of what a "just" distribution of wealth is, and what "optimal" society is. Some think that humanity should concentrate on art & philosophy, and those professions should be rewarded the best. Others are more concerned with our self-preservation, and think that science, and foremost climate science should be rewarded the most. Third just want to enjoy the good life right now, and don't really give a crap about any of those global goals or future generations.
Of course, you may consider some of those people to be more correct and others, and it's not the point. Democracy didn't arise in order to get to the truth - democracy have arisen as a tool for people who think each other as complete idiots and fools to solve their differences without killing each other. If you decide that one of those goals should be the goal of the whole humanity, the problem isn't that you will be incorrect - the problem is that a lot of people will disagree with you, and will defend their point of view. Quite possibly, with violence. And whatever your goal for the humanity was, you won't be able to built a society optimized about that metric anyway.
The capitalist system that we have instead is much wiser. It's not built with a "purpose" in mind. It's built for each person to pursue his own purpose, giving him an ability do compete with others. Any kind of influence, any kind of resource other people want that you have - you can use them in a capitalist system to pursue your goals, and you can keep the exploits. If you don't have what other people want, you don't have the influence. The fact that other people think that "an english major shouldn't have to work at McDonalds" don't mean shit unless they're willing to put their money where their mouth is and donate to your literature-related Kickstarter instead of having a Happy Meal.
Of course it's not "fair". Such a concept doesn't exist across many different minds. But it's a system that individual people decide to build using their own resources over series of small decisions and needs throughout their lives. Seems like a much more stable system than something built out of abstract concept of "justice" and "higher purpose" forced by some people on others.