Georgism
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Georgism, an economic philosophy named after Henry George, emphasizes the significant and often underappreciated role that land plays in the economy. It is widely known for advocating a land value tax (LVT), which is a tax on the unimproved value of land but not on any buildings or infrastructure on top of the land. This is based on the idea that land is a critical, non-replicable asset, and its value should be shared among the public.
From a broader perspective, Georgism doesn't just focus on land; it addresses the enclosure of natural monopolies and seeks to alleviate rent-seeking behaviors related to these monopolies. This includes attention to areas like copyright, where the longer terms of copyright can be viewed as a form of rent-seeking behavior that Georgism could help rectify by potentially reducing the terms so that ideas could sooner become part of the public commons.
Georgism is also relevant when considering the impact of decentralization and platforms in the digital and physical worlds. The concept ties back to issues in both digital realms, such as virtual real estate in video games, and physical spheres, where the first movers in space exploration and colonization might claim disproportionate resources or jurisdiction without a corresponding basis in Georgist principles.
Overall, Georgism provides a framework for looking at many modern economic issues through the lens of land use, value, and speculation, promoting a more equitable distribution of resources.
Relevant discussions on the implications of Georgism, particularly in space and in today's digital and international contexts, can be found in the episode "" from the "" where these topics are extensively explored 1 2.
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