Courses

James L. Payne

Research Fellow

Independent Institute

Dr. Payne received his Ph.D. in political science from the University of California at Berkeley, and he has taught political science at Yale University, Wesleyan University, Johns Hopkins University, and Texas A & M University. His articles have appeared in The Independent Review, American Conservative, American Spectator, The Freeman, Policy Review, Reason, and other magazines and journals.

Blog Posts

What should we do about luck?

March 17, 2017
|
Poverty & Inequality

What should we do about the fact that some people are able to earn more money than others? Should government redress the resulting disparities in income? The answer is often believed to hinge upon our conclusion about the role of luck in affecting income-earning abilities. Those on the political left emphasize factors beyond the individual’s control. They point to accidental circumstances affecting incomes: where you were born, who your parents are, your class, or race, or culture, the education you receive, the economic possibilities in your society. Accepting the view that the ability to earn