Short Abstract:

This book examines how human labor has been changed by recent developments in automation from an ethical perspective based on the capabilities approach (CA). It demonstrates how the CA is a suitable framework to ethically analyze technological changes by aiming to enable a life with human dignity. Also, it assesses chances and challenges of human labor automation and related policy implications.

Long Abstract:

Book Title: The Future of Work: Ethical Evaluation of the Change of Human Labor in the Context of Advancing Automation

(To be distributed only to relevant parties)

Keywords: automation, artificial intelligence, human dignity, human labor, public policy

Publication: March/April 2024

Long abstract: This book examines how human labor has been affected by recent advances in automation from an ethical perspective based on the capabilities approach. Initially, the relevant key terms such as “automation”, “artificial intelligence” and “human labor” are carefully discussed from an ethical perspective. Thereafter, the ethical foundations of the capabilities approach are examined to determine whether the approach is suitable for analyzing technological changes such as automation. To that end, the book demonstrates how living a life with human dignity is a universal moral imperative, grounded by the principle of vulnerability, and develops an ethical point of reference to analyze advancing automation based on the capabilities approach while extensively discussing the role of work as part of the framework. In this regard, different aspects of the meaning of work, along with its significance for earning sufficient financial income, are evaluated from various theological-ethical perspectives, such as Catholic Social Teaching and the Protestant work ethic. Consequently, the book proposes, explains, and justifies a revision of the ten central human capabilities list. The following overall assessment presents ethical opportunities and challenges, outlining how key developments of automation affect the different capabilities to live a dignified life when work is conducted more and more by machines. In that effort, industrial automation by robots, but also automation efforts in education, care, legal work, medicine, or finance are assessed. Moreover, various policy instruments, such as universal basic income, retraining programs, labor market regulations, and new ways of taxation, such as robot or machine tax, are evaluated through the lens of the capabilities approach. The analysis highlights the strengths and weaknesses of these policy responses and suggests ways to improve them to better address the ethical challenges posed by automation. In this context, the book underscores the importance of an active social assistance scheme, informed by the capabilities approach, to ensure a dignified life for individuals when work becomes scarce. Ultimately, the book concludes by envisioning a future where automation is harnessed for the common good, offering a forward-looking perspective based on the assessed policies. It calls for a continuous effort among stakeholders from various sectors to create an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future of work, especially as new forms of automation tools such as ChatGPT emerge. The conclusion reiterates the central thesis of the book: that the ethical challenges of automation can be effectively addressed by grounding policy and practice in the capabilities approach, thereby ensuring that technological advancements contribute to the enhancement of all human capabilities and the promotion of a dignified life for all.

Confirmed panelists:

Prof. Dr. Jean-Michel Bonvin, University of Geneva, HDCA member:

Jean-Michel Bonvin is a prominent figure in the fields of sociology and socioeconomics at the University of Geneva, where he holds a professorship. His academic journey is marked by a Doctorate in Sociology from the University of Paris Sorbonne, laying a strong foundation for his extensive career in social sciences. Bonvin’s expertise is wide-ranging, covering social and labor market policies, organizational innovation in public and third sectors, sociology of work and businesses, and theories of justice, especially focusing on Amartya Sen's capability approach. He will enrich the session with his expertise on labor in the context of the capability approach.

Peter S. Goodman, The New York Times & author:

Peter Goodman, a seasoned journalist with over three decades of experience, is the Global Economic Correspondent for The New York Times. His career has spanned various significant economic events and transformations, such as the 2008 global financial crisis, the rise of China as a global superpower, and the dot-com crash, reflecting his deep engagement with issues at the intersection of economics, politics, and society. Goodman's investigative work and writings have consistently shed light on justice and work, focusing on the impacts of economic policies and practices on workers and communities. He will contribute to the panel with his vast knowledge on how technological changes affect workers and their communities.