The ethics of labour in the Muqaddima by Ibn Khaldūn

This article focuses on the classification of the arts and crafts and
on ethics of labour as laid out in the 5th chapter of the Muqaddima
by Ibn Khaldūn (Ibn Khaldūn). He envisions a “free market”
economy, where labour creates the value of commodities. Prices are
given by the amount of labour that is necessary for the production
of a commodity, but because there is no universal concept of the
value and utility of a good detached from each individual’s specific
needs, the “right price” is arrived at through the mechanism of
supply and demand: this creates the difference between the value
and price of a given commodity. Mercantile society is the great
springboard of development, as it allows for the division of labour
making it possible for everyone to partake in others’ productivity,
and fostering a constant increase of wealth. Ibn Khaldūn presents
exchange as the realization of human nature, and mercantile society
as the perfect form of social relationship. Indeed, the birth and
development of urban civilization depends on its ability to organize
productive labour forms within itself.