Why do we think hard work is virtuous? Max Weber’s Protestant Ethic gives a sharp answer

BLUF

People like to express that virtue is through hard work. It is interesting to trace the philosophical roots of work ethic, but importantly to appreciate that a motive of work can be simply proving you’re not disposable.

Learning outcomes:

• Describe the philosophical roots to the hard work ethic.
• Recognise the importance of understanding the philosophic approaches to hard work.
• Reflect on personal motives to working hard.
• Appreciate that people have different motivations to working hard.