What Does it Mean to be a Worker in a Capitalist Society?

General Instructions

For this essay, you will address a central issue in the philosophy of economics. This involves (a) explaining the issue clearly, (b) offering a clear, concise, and charitable description of at least one view on the issue obtained from one of the readings, and (c) either arguing for your preferred view in opposition with the reading or, if you have described at least two views on the issue, you’re also allowed to provide an argument in agreement with one of them. By “explaining clearly” we mean that all key terms are explained in terminology that can be understood by an interested reader who has not taken this course. By “charitable description” we mean that you should make every effort to make it seem reasonable that someone could hold this view, even (especially!) if you disagree with it. By “arguing” we mean presenting an argument that establishes your conclusion based on premises, where it is made sufficiently clear (1) what the premises are, (2) how they add up to an argument for the conclusion, and (3) that a reasonable person might find these premises acceptable. Notice the difference between arguing and giving an opinion.

The essay prompt is: What does it mean to be a worker in a capitalist society? Describe Cohen's view and offer your response. You can also touch upon Marx when critiquing Cohen's view

This has to be based on the reading: G. A. Cohen, “The Structure of Proletarian Unfreedom” (Philosophy and Public Affairs).

If you refer to Marx, the reading is: Karl Marx, “Estranged Labor” (Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts, final section of first manuscript)

While you will be putting forward and arguing for your own philosophical view on the issue, this is only part of the essay and part of what you will be marked on. Just as importantly, the essay assesses your understanding of Cohen and Marx and your ability to convey this understanding in writing. You should structure your essay accordingly, devoting more than half of the word count to explaining the issue and describing someone else’s view on it without explicit reference to your own argument (which does not have to be original in any deep sense).

Assessment criteria

Formulation of topic

• Is the topic and/or question formulated clearly and precisely?

• Does the essay display understanding of the problem or question to be addressed?

Expression and style

• Does the essay display understanding of the terminology employed?

• Is the essay written clearly, concisely and correctly?

Structure and organisation

• Is the topic properly introduced?

• Is the essay organised around a clearly articulated thesis stated in one sentence in the introduction?

• Is it clear at each stage what is being argued for?

• Does the structure of the essay support the argument?

Understanding and use of literature

• Is the literature employed relevant to the topic?

• Does the essay fail to engage with readings from the course?

• Does the essay display understanding of the literature employed?

• Have relevant positions, arguments and concepts been clearly presented?

• Have relevant positions, arguments and concepts been fairly and charitably presented?

• Are in-text references used as appropriate and a bibliography provided?

Quality of argument

• Are the essay’s arguments coherent and do they address the topic?

• Does the essay provide sufficient support for the claims made?

• If used, is the empirical evidence factually correct, relevant to the topic and sufficient for the purpose to which it is put?

• Are any theories or principles that are used both relevant to the topic and correctly integrated into the argument?

Independence and originality

• Is there evidence of independent research?

• Does the essay display independent judgements concerning particular arguments, positions or questions?

• Is the essay reflectively critical not only of other positions, but of their own?

• Does the essay make any original arguments or present material in an original way?

• Does the essay give consideration to one or two obvious objections to the claims made?

Marking Schem


Topic addressed clearly, concisely and with precision. Relevant literature understood and appropriately employed. Analysis of concepts, arguments and positions is rigorous and sufficiently thorough. Arguments are given where appropriate, and are cogent and properly supported by evidence and reasons. Some originality is present and/or some additional material is brought in from beyond the required readings and/or some objections are considered, e.g., by clarifying a thesis, by offering a new example or counterexample, or by developing a position in greater detail.