The answer one gives depends upon one's worldview, but the rightness of the answer is not so arbitrary, and must be based upon the correct moral and ethical standard.
An agnostic or atheist economist would say, as some have indicated, "let the market dictate the pay-scale".
But the believing Christian or Jew has no such option: God has spoken often on economic and moral issues.
"By the sweat of your brow you will eat bread."
This prophecy, command, order, as given by the LORD is not difficult to understand. It implies fundamentally that all men and women earn their living. And in order to be just and equitable, it automatically implies a just and fair balance of payment to each and every human being. That is, all should labour more or less equally, according to their abilities, and all should be paid about the same for that labour and effort, in the interests of justice and fairness.
The implication is obvious: If some people are paid significantly more than others for the same basic labour, this is a breach of justice, requiring adjustment and compensation. If some people work significantly less for the same pay, this is a similar breach of justice and fairness. A taxation or re-adjustment system must be put in place and maintained to prevent abominations and atrocities like one man being paid millions or hundreds of millions while another equally honest and talented man is given only a bare subsistance.
Equally, in a fair economic system, people who are able to work but won't would be punished or educated or disciplined and brought into line with others who do an honest day's work.
Some work by nature would be outlawed as dishonest and illegitimate.
peace
Nazaroo
