The industrial revolution disrupted the libertarian philosophy of self-employment, leading to a disconnect between workers' reality and the rhetoric of the free market.
Workers are subjected to unfair treatment and abuse in the workplace, highlighting the need for their voice in workplace governance.
Employers should respect workers' autonomy and freedom of expression outside of work, particularly when it comes to health insurance coverage.
Deep dives
The impact of libertarianism on workers
In the past, libertarian thinkers like Adam Smith and Thomas Paine believed that free markets would liberate workers by enabling them to be self-employed. However, the industrial revolution shattered this ideal as economies of scale led to the rise of the factory system and wage labor. This shift has led to a disconnect between the original libertarian philosophy and the current reality of workers' lives. Despite this, the rhetoric of the free market still persists, even though it no longer addresses workers' concerns.
The workplace as a form of government
The workplace can be seen as a form of government where workers take orders from their bosses, who have the authority to impose penalties for noncompliance. This authority goes beyond what can be justified by productivity or efficiency, resulting in situations where workers are subjected to unfair treatment or abuse. While certain limitations on authority exist, there is a need for workers to have a say in workplace conditions and governance to prevent the misuse of power.
Private employers influencing workers' lives
Private employers have a significant influence on their employees' lives outside of work, which raises questions about the boundaries of employer power. For example, some employers pressure workers to support certain political causes or adopt specific health behaviors. While limited authority may be justified for spokespersons or high-level executives, workers should have autonomy and freedom of expression outside of work, as long as their actions and beliefs do not directly reflect on the organization.
Balancing employer values and employee autonomy
The issue of employers enforcing their values on employees becomes complicated when it comes to health insurance coverage. While some employers may object to certain aspects of coverage based on personal values, it is crucial to recognize that the employer's role is to provide access to health insurance, not to control employees' healthcare choices. Attempts to limit coverage based on personal beliefs can infringe on employee autonomy and reproductive freedom.
Workers' perspectives on workplace governance
It is vital to hear workers' perspectives on workplace governance and reforms. Workers' rights should include having a say in the decisions made within the workplace and the conditions under which they work. Encouraging workers' participation in decision-making processes can create a more democratic and equitable workplace environment.
Dr. Anderson is the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, and the John Dewey Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy and Women's Studies at the University of Michigan. Dr. Anderson’s research focuses on democratic theory, equality in political philosophy and American law, racial integration, and the ethical limits of markets. She writes about the philosophies of John Stuart Mill and John Dewey as well as the philosophy of science. She also designed and was the first Director of the Program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the University of Michigan. She published the 2011 book, The Imperative of Integration, which came up in our episode with Dr. Nussbaum a few weeks ago. Liz's new book, Private Government, is based on her Tanner Lectures delivered at Princeton University.
Listen for our “You Tell Me!” questions and for some jokes in one of our concluding segments, called “Philosophunnies.” Reach out to us on Facebook @PhilosophyBakesBread and on Twitter @PhilosophyBB; email us at philosophybakesbread@gmail.com; or call and record a voicemail that we play on the show, at 859.257.1849. Philosophy Bakes Bread is a production of the Society of Philosophers in America (SOPHIA). Check us out online at PhilosophyBakesBread.com and check out SOPHIA at PhilosophersInAmerica.com.
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