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[158-4] Birdieman: Abstract human labor is the expenditure of any human
function such as muscle power, mind power or nerve for the
production of a commodity. The use of human power whether
it be physical or mental is considered abstract human labor
by Marx. An example of the construction of a bridge was
used in the submissions to illustrate the various aspects
of human capabilities that are all considered abstract
human labor. An architect or engineer will use his mental
abilities to conceive and draft a blueprint for the bridge.
A foreman uses his nerve to direct the laborers in the
necessary process of construction. The general laborers use
their physical strength to lay the brick, move the earth,
and properly place the steel so the bridge is structurally
sound. Even though these different individuals have
different task and abilities, they are all contributing
abstract human labor to the project because all are
expending human muscle power, nerve, or mental capacities.
All abstract human labor is qualitatively equal yet is not
quantitatively equal. This is another discussion but
noteworthy to point out. |
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