tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159497304471106749.post4386869129586017747..comments2022-04-08T14:18:51.387-07:00Comments on Philosophical musings: Pyramid of Labor & DependentsScottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911686234989266150noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159497304471106749.post-52628627074819769042012-07-29T06:17:14.259-07:002012-07-29T06:17:14.259-07:00Someone asked me where academia fits in this pyram...Someone asked me where academia fits in this pyramid.. my reply:<br />I think in reality, there are only 2 tiers. Those who produce salable goods & services, & those who do not. The military, fire, & police are services to protect the property produced. They are an expense. Govt oversees that, & regulates & enforces laws so the producers are not ripped off by thieves, oppressors, or exploiters. Academia is a service provided to increase production.. it is knowledge imparted, for a fee, to those who wish to increase their own production. They do not actually produce, but like the military & police, they provide a service that allows the producers to increase.<br /><br />I see advances in farming, manufacturing, engineering, research & development, etc as being part of this. It is a valid function, but it is an expense. It only has capital value in the increased production it provides.<br /><br />Some of academia is the same as the entertainment tier. They do not improve production or increase capital for society, but are more leisure pursuits.. art, music, theater, & philosophical degrees are luxuries for an affluent society. It is more like sports & religion. They are optional expenses for a society that has already provided for their essential food, water, housing, & protection.Scottyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05911686234989266150noreply@blogger.com