Ethically and morally, does a person have the freedom or the right to not work? If it is so, is it conditional or not and how?
My first idea is that if everyone in the world does not work, then the world will collapse very soon and social order will collapse. But obviously there are always some people who temporarily or permanently lose their abilities to work, for example:
- Sick or disabled
- People whose skills set is no longer necessary
- Someone who has been laid off and is unable to find new employment
So at least in some cases, it is morally justified that someone doesn't work. However, is it possible claim that one has the right to not work? Or one has right to not work only if conditions A, B, C ...are true? Because conditions are numerous and cannot be listed thoroughly, it looks like not a satisfying solution.
Furthermore, one who does not work and has no savings, will soon starve if they have no other resource. This might be construed as a form of suicide. This then relates to the right to commit suicide, another expanded problem. To prevent this, society and government already provide support including food stamps, medicaid and so on. Do these justify the claim or conditionally? What if one refuses to work?
I don't know whether this is an adequate question and whether there is an definite answer or not. Any guides to books or articles helpful is appreciated. Thanks.