Exploitation

Exploitation is a contested concept. In one sense of the term, to exploit means to effectively utilize the object of exploitation. It is in this sense of the term that one exploits sunlight to generate solar power. In another sense of the term, to exploit means to take unfair or illegitimate advantage of the object of exploitation. It is in the latter sense that the term is most often employed in relationship to business practices. For example, automobile salesmen are often accused of exploiting inexperienced or vulnerable customers by taking advantage of asymmetries in information. To assess such claims, it is necessary to have a coherent account of exploitation. There are two primary questions about the concept of exploitation that any account of the concept ...