Reproductivity, capital theory, and objectivist ethics

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss how reproductivity (child‐rearing) fits into ethics. It aims to use objectivist ethics (OE) specifically as the framework for considering this.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is conceptual in nature. Economic concepts are used to analyze and extend an ethical issue and the cardinal values within OE, which includes productive purpose, are reviewed.FindingsThe paper argues that reproductivity is sufficiently different from productivity to be a separate category. Then using the trader principle, the objectivist case for inheritance, and capital theory, the case is made that reproductivity is required of each person in the same sense that productivity is.Originality/valueThis is an original argument made by the author in Then Athena Said: Unilateral Transfers and the Transformation of Objectivist Ethics. In that work, reproductivity is linked to human capital replacement, depreciation, the sinking fund, and Irving Fisher's conception of standard income. This paper also relates it to permanent income. Also, the conclusions are more inclusive than those in the previous work in that other forms that the replacement of human capital can take in addition to reproduction are considered.