SCIENTIFIC HUMANISM - nihil obstat felicitas (XII)

7. Human Exploitation: A Continuing Legacy

Unfortunately, whenever we speak of the exploitation of resources, or even of creation and production in any human industry, we are referring directly to the exploitation of human beings by others. The history of human exploitation is as old as it is unchanging in its modus operandi: some individuals, through the use of force, coercion, or fear of misery and starvation, force others to work and produce for them.

Traditional slavery, which degrades human beings to mere "objects of use," has been known for thousands of years. Although it was officially abolished in the United States in 1865 at the end of the Civil War, it continues to exist in various forms, such as human trafficking for prostitution (sex slavery) or indentured servitude. Even in first-world countries, wages are still insufficient for the vast majority to live in dignity.

This is our own human disease: short-termism and selfishness, both driven by fear. No one else is to blame. There are no demons, monsters, or supernatural beings forcing us to act this way. The cases of people who were born with very little and reached the "social and economic top" confirm that once you reach the "top", the fear of losing everything reinforces the conviction that nothing needs to change.

As for capitalism, we must remember that all the great thinkers in the history of economics have been reinterpreted or even censored when they expressed ethical views on the treatment of workers or the return of profits to contribute to the progress of society as a whole (Adam Smith, Engels, Karl Marx, Max Weber, Thorstein Veblen, John Maynard Keynes, Amartya Sen,... among others).

For Scientific Humanism, a new paradigm must give way to a new paradigm: individualist globalism. Survival as individuals must be guaranteed, because if it is not, survival as a species is not guaranteed either.

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Bibliography:

"The Wealth of Nations (1776) by Adam Smith: Although best known for his advocacy of the free market, Smith was also concerned with working conditions and advocated the protection of workers and the rejection of labor exploitation.

"Capital (1867) by Karl Marx: Marx critically analyzed the capitalist system and argued that the exploitation of workers was inherent in the system. He proposed the abolition of the capitalist system and the creation of a classless society.

"The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" (1905) by Max Weber: Weber explored the relationship between religious ethics and the development of capitalism, highlighting how certain values and beliefs influence attitudes toward work and exploitation.

"The Malaise in Culture (1930) by Sigmund Freud: Freud examined the tensions between individual desires and the demands of society, and how the social system can produce forms of exploitation and alienation.

"Development as Freedom (1999) by Amartya Sen: Sen argues that human development cannot be measured solely in economic terms, but must focus on the expansion of individual freedoms and the elimination of inequalities.

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Quote:

"The exploitation of man by man is the source of all forms of oppression and inequality in our society." - Karl Marx

"The true measure of progress is not accumulated wealth, but the quality of life and well-being of all members of society." - Amartya Sen

"Capitalism cannot be considered a success if it is based on the exploitation and oppression of workers." - Adam Smith

"The struggle against human exploitation requires a profound transformation of our economic and social structures." - Max Weber

"True freedom can only be achieved when forms of exploitation are eliminated and the dignity of all individuals is guaranteed." - Sigmund Freud