Elizabeth Anderson, a prominent philosopher from the University of Michigan, delves into the deep historical roots of our modern work ethic, revealing how it morphed into a moral obligation. She explores the Protestant Reformation's influence, contrasting theological shifts in views on labor and salvation. The discussion shines a light on how concepts from figures like Locke shaped property views and individual worth, and critiques the damaging use of the work ethic against the poor. Anderson emphasizes the need to reclaim the original purpose of work: to serve humanity.
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insights INSIGHT
Salvation by Faith Alone
The Protestant Reformation shifted the focus from earning salvation through works to receiving it by faith alone.
This caused uncertainty and anxiety about whether one truly possessed faith, leading to a focus on behavior as evidence of salvation.
insights INSIGHT
Work as Evidence of Faith
Calvinism addressed the uncertainty of faith by linking it to external behavior, emphasizing disciplined labor.
This made work a measure of faith, prompting people to work diligently for assurance of salvation.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Baxter's Work Ethic Principles
Work diligently, be frugal, and avoid idle pleasures.
Maximize your earnings and use all resources efficiently, including time.
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In the 'Second Treatise of Government', Locke critiques the divine right of kings and argues for a more civilized society based on natural rights and contract theory. He defines political power as the right to make laws for the protection and regulation of property, emphasizing that legitimate governments must have the consent of the people. Locke also discusses the state of nature, the rise of property and civilization, and the right of revolution, advocating for a system with separate legislative, executive, and judicial powers to ensure the protection of life, liberty, and property[2][4][5].
Christian Directory
Christian Directory
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Richard Baxter
Hijacked
Elizabeth Anderson
Elizabeth Anderson's "Hijacked" delves into the complexities of meritocracy and its impact on social justice. Anderson meticulously dissects the historical and philosophical underpinnings of meritocratic ideals, revealing their inherent contradictions and unintended consequences. She challenges the prevailing notion of individual deservingness, arguing that societal structures and historical inequalities significantly shape individual outcomes. The book offers a compelling critique of the dominant narrative surrounding meritocracy, exposing its role in perpetuating injustice and inequality. Anderson's work provides a framework for understanding how meritocratic systems often fail to deliver on their promises of fairness and efficiency.
Elizabeth Anderson is one of today’s leading political philosophers and has spent years studying how the work ethic shapes our economy, society, and politics. In her latest book, Hijacked, she explores how hard work, a principle originally intended to advance the virtue of helping others, has been used by parts of society in ways that harm workers.
This is the first of a three-part series tracing the history of the work ethic, from its religious roots in Martin Luther and the Reformation to its influence on modern policies like prison labor reform in California. In this episode, Elizabeth and Dart dig into the early history: how the Protestant Reformation shaped ideas about labor, how work became a moral obligation, and how these centuries-old ideas still shape our world today.
In this episode, Dart and Elizabeth discuss: - How work became a divine duty - How Locke’s labor theory shaped ideas of property and work - The work ethic as a moral weapon against the poor - The origins of blaming poverty on personal failure - Why we still measure human worth by productivity - How poor laws shaped early ideas of economic survival - The hidden influence of these ideas on work today - And other topics…
Professor Elizabeth Anderson specializes in moral and political philosophy, feminist theory, social epistemology, and the philosophy of economics. She holds the positions of Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, John Dewey Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy and Women's & Gender Studies, and Max Shaye Professor of Public Philosophy at the University of Michigan. A MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, Elizabeth has written extensively on democracy, labor, and economic justice, including her latest book, Hijacked: How Neoliberalism Turned the Work Ethic Against Workers and How Workers Can Take It Back.
Work with Dart: Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what’s most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.
Work For Humans 
