Abstract

This paper develops and defends a theory of exploitation as domination. I first show that charges of wrongful exploitation entail a conception of unilateral or unreciprocated service to others. I then argue that, although unilateral service to others, as such, is morally benign, power-induced unilateral service to others is not. With the help of examples, I specify the conditions under which unilateral service is the outcome of relations of dominion and servitude. These conditions, I argue, furnish grounds for all claims of wrongful exploitation.

Short bio

Nicholas Vrousalis is Assistant Professor in Political Philosophy at Leiden University and Visiting Associate Professor at Aarhus University. Vrousalis read economics at Cambridge and received his doctorate in political philosophy from Oxford. He has published on distributive ethics, democratic theory, and the critique of political economy.

Nicholas Vrouslis' project at AIAS

What is a Fellows' Seminar?

The AIAS Fellows' Seminar is a session of seminars held by the AIAS fellow or by other speakers proposed by the fellows. In each seminar, one fellow will present and discuss his/her current research and research project, closing off with a question and discussion session.

All seminars are held in English and open to the public. Registration to the seminar is not necessary.  Read more about the AIAS Fellows' Seminar here.