Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Mark,
Ultimately what you`re arguing is the concept of rational self-interest. That means an argument in favor of reason itself.

As a philosopher, I`ve come to understand that before you can argue the merits of reason, you must first develop a basic concept of "the default human being."

In other words, what is the so-called natural state of a human being?

Right now, most people believe that the natural state is to be greedy, with a genetic mandate to spread each individual`s DNA.

I disagree, but it takes a massive argument to develop the case as to why and what are the consequences.

In this particular discussion, the questions and issues I`m provoking have to be accounted for. They should also show that you`re using a large number of unstated premises and assumptions.

What you`re hoping is that "left to their own devices, people will do the right thing." It`s admirable, and idealistic (which is not a bad thing), but the question is, "What`s the right thing?" What does it mean, "right?"

Slave labor is as efficient as free contracting. It`s not that hard or expensive to keep slave-drivers in production. In fact, it`s more efficient and cheaper than to hire skilled foremen for a production line. The slave-driver doesn`t need any knowledge of psychology, or the product.

Give that human beings reduce down to the binary of pain or pleasure, both are equal. Pain and pleasure hold an equal value in terms of impact on motivation. You can`t make an argument that pain or pleasure will therefore be "better" in some way.

Instead, you have to make your argument in terms of creativity. How does a society or civilization develop ANY kind of invention under a slave economy? Without incentive, who creates anything?

In all slave societies, it`s left to the "master" class to create ideas, which then are put into place by the slaves. The problem is that only during the actual manufacturing process do further ideas become visible by which to improve the product.

I think there`s a better case to be made that free-market capitalism is better than controlled socialism because of the long-term impact of creativity.

Alright :-) Interesting discussion, out of which I think our common point of agreement is that education is a critical and key factor. Most economists also agree, and tell us that without an education population, no country will ever climb out of poverty.

Indeed!