| This question <73|69> overall <77|79> Hans: <77|79>. |
| Question 174: What does it matter whether exploitation follows from alienation, or alienation follows from exploitation? (Define these terms.) |
| [78] Hans: Alienation is More Difficult to Fight Against Angus [69] gives good definitions of exploitation and alienation, shows that both exist in modern capitalism despite the illusion of freedom, and concludes that the question which comes first is ill-posed, since they are two sides of the same coin. |
| Golfer [73] echoes many things Angus says (which depressed his grade). But there are important differences. While Angus views exploitation as a systemic necessity without which capitalism cannot exist, Golfer says that exploitation still exists in some forms in capitalism (sweatshops), but overall it is on the way out. Views which are in opposition to the Marxist view are welcome here, but Golfer should have made it clear that he understand that this is not Marx's view. In his concluding remarks, Angus wants capitalism to end, while Golfer wants higher wages and fewer distortions in the labor markets. |
| Angus's answer is solid, and if I voice a certain disagreement here this will not affect his grade. I think exploitation and alienation are not one and the same thing but they are two separate issues. One can be exploited and be aware of it, and one can be exploited and not be aware of it. This second kind of exploitation is the more alienated kind, and it is also the kind which is more difficult to fight against. |
| P.S. Don't get yourselves fired when you suddenly realize how exploited you are and start talking back to your boss. You cannot resist capitalism individually; you have to organize together with others. |
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