This question <57|69> overall <61|63> Ulrich: <1174|484>.  
  Question 90: Is it a character flaw to be lazy in an exploitive system?   
  [62] Ulrich: The answer to this question will definitely vary, based on the individual and what they deem as ethical or as legitimate measures of one's character. In an exploitive system, such as capitalism is considered by some, an individual who chooses to be lazy may do so because they feel their time and talents are being exploited for the benefit of an employer. The individual who feels like they are being taken advantage of, has no incentive to work any harder since they believe only their employer will benefit from an increase in energy and effort exerted by this individual. However, in an exploitive system a lazy worker (in most cases) is seldom able to advance or progress since there is a lack of motivation and their output is minimal. On the other hand, an individual who chooses to work hard and apply their talents to the best of their ability may be able to advance in this exploitive system. This of course could mean an improvement in the standard of living for such an individual which is most likely their motivation to work harder. This being said, one may argue that the individual who applies him or herself and advances will also be required to do more and will be held to a higher standard. In other words, they may be exploited even more by their employer as they continue to progress. Some may feel that a lack of motivation to work hard in an exploitive system is a character flaw. However, based on what is mentioned above, I find it difficult to judge someone's character simply because they choose not to conform to what society says should be done.   
  Hans: You are giving many arguments back and forth, only two points about it:   
  (1) You are prefacing your answer with the disclaimer that issues of ethics are subjective. This is the so-called fact-value distinction. Marx did not believe in this distinction, see my [5] about this.   
  (2) It is not necessarily a cost-benefit calculation which prompts the “lazy” worker to be lazy. Such workers may well be aware that they could avance by kissing up to the capitalist, and still not have the stomach to do it.   
 
 
 
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