Should humans work?

Abstract

Should humans work? A simple question at a time when the advent of AI, automation and robotics claims a privileged position in the future of work. The question is perplexing and confusing however once we enquire into the meaning of technology and work as such: some claim that human jobs and well-being might be threatened by technological advances while others predict an increase in high skilled demand.<p>

<p>In short, we claim that standard debates obfuscate the question. That is, while animating the debate, standard arguments are instrumental to avoiding confrontation with the fundamental relation between humans, technology and work, namely, our position regarding what to do with technology and work, i.e. humans are “absent” in an “advancing” environment. We propose that focusing debates on the advantages and disadvantages of the development of advanced technology with the potential to do any human task does not necessarily clarify the situation, but rather unveils the obscurity of our relationship with technology by illuminating the lack of clarification.