The One Percent Problem refers to the small fraction of the global population that controls a disproportionately large share of wealth, leading to significant societal, economic, and ethical challenges. This episode delves into the factors contributing to the rise of the One Percent, including technological advancements, globalisation, and tax policies that favour the wealthy.

The concentration of wealth among the elite has far-reaching consequences, perpetuating a system where opportunities and resources are skewed in favour of a privileged few. This raises questions about fairness, social cohesion, and the nature of a just society. The episode sheds light on the paradox of wealth, highlighting how, while wealth can drive economic growth and innovation, its extreme concentration poses significant societal challenges. These challenges include hampering social mobility, weakening the middle class, creating market distortions, and eroding social cohesion.

Beyond the economic implications, the episode delves into the moral and ethical dimensions of extreme wealth. It explores the principles of distributive justice, which argue for a fair distribution of wealth, and contrasts this with views that see wealth accumulation as a product of individual effort and meritocracy. The episode emphasises the ethical responsibilities of the wealthy, including philanthropy, charitable giving, and corporate social responsibility, while also highlighting the need for structural reforms to address the root causes of wealth concentration.