Robots replacing jobs, and Universal Basic Income are coming. What are we going to do about it? Here's a skeleton of a solution.

The rise of automation and artificial intelligence is transforming our economy and society, challenging us to rethink our systems of work, income, and governance. With robots and AI on the path to handling many traditional jobs, Universal Basic Income (UBI) is emerging as a potential solution, providing economic security in a world where jobs may no longer be the primary means of earning a living. But this shift demands more than financial adaptation—it calls for a new kind of governance rooted in Truth-Driven Relativism (TDR), a moral philosophy that values truth, adaptability, and the pursuit of wisdom in guiding society.

The Role of Automation, UBI, and the Need for New Governance

Automation will increasingly free people from repetitive tasks, creating opportunities for creativity, self-development, and meaningful community engagement. But it also presents challenges: economic displacement, job scarcity, and income inequality. Universal Basic Income offers a straightforward solution, ensuring that everyone has a financial baseline to meet their needs.

Yet implementing UBI and managing an automated economy requires a government that does more than distribute resources; it requires a government committed to guiding society with wisdom and understanding. A new governance model—a Collective Intelligence Government (CIG)—could serve as the “mind” of the people (in a mindful, not controlling, way), operating in unity and responsiveness to citizens’ needs while grounded in the principles of Truth-Driven Relativism.

Truth-Driven Relativism: A Framework for Collective Intelligence

Truth-Driven Relativism (TDR) places truth as the highest virtue, especially in the context of governance and artificial intelligence. In TDR, truth isn’t just a standard for decisions but the foundation for any form of objective morality that could guide society. Beyond the pursuit of truth, TDR acknowledges that morality is subjective and shaped by personal experiences and social agreements.

At the heart of TDR is a commitment to wisdom-seeking and learning: if we know better, we can do better. This philosophy underscores that understanding fosters better decision-making, both individually and collectively. In a TDR-based government, leaders would not only base decisions on truth but continually seek greater knowledge and understanding, recognizing that collective wisdom is key to societal progress.

Key Principles of a Collective Intelligence Government

With TDR as its foundation, a Collective Intelligence Government would serve as an integrative body reflecting the will and values of its citizens. Here’s what this might look like in practice:

1. Transparency and Truth as Cornerstones

A TDR-based government prioritizes transparency. Truth-driven governance means that policies are formed and evaluated with openness, using evidence, scientific data, and public input. This transparency fosters trust and encourages citizens to engage actively, making decisions grounded in reality and shared values.

2. Participatory and Adaptive Governance

This government model functions as a participatory democracy, allowing citizens meaningful influence over decisions through regular referendums, community councils, and rotating advisory roles. Just as the mind adapts to inputs from different parts of the body, a Collective Intelligence Government would continually adjust its policies based on feedback, aligning with the TDR value of seeking and integrating knowledge.

3. Equitable Resource Distribution with UBI

With UBI ensuring basic financial stability, the government would focus on managing resources equitably and sustainably. The wealth generated by automation would support public funds, providing healthcare, education, and other essential services. This model aligns with TDR’s commitment to honoring collective agreements and supporting shared benefits, ensuring resources are distributed fairly across society.

4. Supporting Self-Actualization and Lifelong Learning

With UBI in place, citizens would have the freedom to pursue personal growth, creativity, and community involvement. A government inspired by TDR would empower individuals through access to education, arts, scientific research, and social platforms. In supporting lifelong learning, this governance model embodies the TDR principle of wisdom-seeking, enabling individuals to make informed, impactful choices.

5. Balancing Diversity with Shared Purpose

A TDR-based government values both collective agreements and individual freedom, embracing diverse perspectives and respecting autonomy. Policies would protect each person’s right to pursue their own beliefs and values as long as they respect others’ rights. This approach reflects TDR’s commitment to subjective morality and duty-based agreements, allowing society to function as a unified yet diverse whole.

Why We Need This Model Now

As technology reshapes our economies and ways of life, the limits of traditional governance are becoming clear. A rigid, top-down system cannot adapt swiftly or sensitively enough to address the needs of a changing society. A government grounded in TDR would be both responsive and resilient, embracing truth and adaptability to guide society through transformative change.

A Collective Intelligence Government would represent, integrate, and serve the people, responding to the wisdom-driven demands of a future that values knowledge, growth, and shared values. By focusing on participatory governance, fair distribution of resources, and individual empowerment, TDR-inspired governance offers a sustainable, inclusive path forward.

Building a Future for All

Combining UBI, TDR, and a government model focused on collective intelligence creates a society where each person has the opportunity to pursue wisdom and self-actualization while being supported by a responsive, inclusive governing body. In this future, a government that embodies the mind of its people ensures that society’s resources and wisdom are accessible to all.

This vision is more than just a response to automation—it’s an invitation to redefine governance. With truth, adaptability, and a collective commitment to learning, a TDR-inspired government offers a way forward, paving the path for a world that values both the individual and the collective equally, grounded in the belief that if we know better, we can do better.