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An essay on the biological origin of producing surplus value by human labor

Author

Listed:
  • Hilmi Uysal

    (Akdeniz University)

  • Hüseyin Tuğrul Atasoy

    (Bülent Ecevit University)

  • Uğur Bilge

    (Akdeniz University)

Abstract

In this essay, we explore the origins of the ability to produce surplus value through human labor. The main hypothesis is that the safety factor for energy capacity in humans determines the surplus value of human labor in human societies. We estimate the safety factor for Homo sapiens to be around 2.78. This is based on the rise of the encephalization quotient from 2.5 in Australopithecus africanus to 5.8 in H. sapiens, and we assume this rise is matched by a rise in the safety factor from 1.2 to 2.78. Being a communal species compels human individuals to produce both their personal and their community’s energy need. The possible correlation between Dunbar’s number and the safety factor of energy production capacity provides a very essential feature of human labor, namely “surplus value”. The average labor activity of a modern human is sufficient to provide energy for two to three people’s energy burden in a community. Human labor not only produces the energy for survival of an individual but also produces a surplus due to the safety factor. Therefore, work activity of an individual enables them to supply more than they need for themselves as a value.

Suggested Citation

  • Hilmi Uysal & Hüseyin Tuğrul Atasoy & Uğur Bilge, 2017. "An essay on the biological origin of producing surplus value by human labor," Journal of Bioeconomics, Springer, vol. 19(2), pages 187-199, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbioec:v:19:y:2017:i:2:d:10.1007_s10818-017-9248-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10818-017-9248-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christopher B. Ruff & Erik Trinkaus & Trenton W. Holliday, 1997. "Body mass and encephalization in Pleistocene Homo," Nature, Nature, vol. 387(6629), pages 173-176, May.
    2. Diamond, Jared M., 1995. "Safety Factors in Biological Systems: Molecules, Organs and Evolutionary Systems," Mathematical Social Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 30(3), pages 324-325, December.
    3. Herman Pontzer & Mary H. Brown & David A. Raichlen & Holly Dunsworth & Brian Hare & Kara Walker & Amy Luke & Lara R. Dugas & Ramon Durazo-Arvizu & Dale Schoeller & Jacob Plange-Rhule & Pascal Bovet & , 2016. "Metabolic acceleration and the evolution of human brain size and life history," Nature, Nature, vol. 533(7603), pages 390-392, May.
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