Implications of the Parasitic Condition

The Ethics of Exploitation

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

— Martin Luther King Jr.

Chapter 4: The Ethical Implications of the Parasitic Condition

The parasitic condition, as a manifestation of both psychological tendencies and sociological structures, raises profound ethical questions about justice, human relationships, and the moral fabric of society. This chapter explores these ethical implications, examining how the parasitic condition challenges fundamental principles of fairness, reciprocity, and the common good. It also considers the moral responsibilities of individuals and societies in addressing and transcending the parasitic condition.

The Ethics of Exploitation

At its core, the parasitic condition is an ethical dilemma rooted in exploitation. The parasite—whether an individual, group, or class—thrives by taking from others without giving back, extracting resources, labor, or energy while contributing little or nothing in return. This one-sided relationship violates the principle of …