Heidegger, M. (1954). The Question Concerning Technology. Retrieved from https://www2.hawaii.edu/~freeman/courses/phil394/The%20Question%20Concerning%20Technology.pdf
In this book, Martin Heidegger explores the essence and impact of technology on human existence. Heidegger argues that technology is more than just a tool; it is a way of revealing and ordering the world. He discusses how the prevailing understanding of technology as a means to an end overlooks its deeper significance and warns of the dangers of viewing everything as mere resources. Heidegger calls for a reevaluation of our relationship with technology, urging us to cultivate a deeper understanding of its essence to foster a more meaningful and authentic existence in a technologically dominated world.
Heilbroner, R. L. (1999). The worldly philosophers: The lives, times, and ideas of the great economic thinkers (7th ed.). Simon & Schuster.
This book provides an overview of the lives, ideas, and impact of some of the most influential economic thinkers in history, including Karl Marx. In chapter 6, Heilbroner explores Marx's ideas about the nature of capitalism, including his critique of the exploitative and alienating effects of wage labor. The chapter also discusses Marx's proposals for revolutionary change and the influence of his ideas on socialist and communist movements. Chapter 3 focuses on Adam Smith's contributions to economic thought, including his ideas on the invisible hand and the role of government in the economy. The author also discusses Smith's ideas on value and the labor theory of value.
Marx, K. (1844). Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844. Retrieved from
https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/download/pdf/Economic-Philosophic-Manuscripts-1844.pdf
This is a collection of writings from Karl Marx, where he explores a range of topics related to economics, philosophy, and social criticism. One of his main focuses in these manuscripts is his critiques of capitalism in that it alienates workers from their labor, their fellow human beings, and themselves. In addition, Marx discusses the concept of “species-being,” which is the idea that humans have a sort of natural essence that the capitalist society suppresses. Marx argues that real human freedom can only be achieved when humans can express their true nature and realize their own potential. Overall, these manuscripts provide valuable insights into Marx’s earlier thinking. This source is relevant to my topic because it is where Marx extensively reflects on this idea of “alienation” from labor, which I extend off of in my argument that artificial intelligence development will be detrimental to humans. Whether the source is “credible” or not is debatable, but Marx’s ideas have certainly become mainstream so they are important to consider.
Marx, K. (1867). Das Kapital. Verlag von Otto Meissner.
Retrieved from: https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/download/pdf/Capital-Volume-I.pdf
Das Kapital, also known as Capital: Critique of Political Economy, is a foundational text in Marxist economic theory. In this three-volume work, Marx critiques the capitalist economic system and provides a detailed analysis of the relationship between labor, capital, and surplus value. The first volume was published in 1867, and subsequent volumes were published posthumously.
PwC. (2017). UK Economic Outlook: March 2017. Automation and the UK labour market.
Retrieved from https://www.pwc.co.uk/economic-services/ukeo/pwcukeo-section-4-Automation-march-2017-v2.pdf
This is a report from PwC, one of the largest accounting firms, that discusses the potential impact of automation on the UK economy, as well as the global economy. The report highlights that while automation may lead to the loss of some blue-collar work, it also will create new jobs and boost overall economic growth. The report suggests that the government should take steps to prepare workers for the changing job market, which include investing in training programs and education, and promoting entrepreneurship. This source is relevant to my topic because it has an extensive amount of data on the jobs that are at risk of being displaced by automation. I want to use this data to suggest that even with current technology automation is displacing jobs; with future technological development in terms of artificial intelligence, there is no telling how our work will be disrupted. Overall, the report is very detailed and credible, coming from a renowned firm, and it should be very useful for my essay.
McKinsey Global Institute. (2017). Harnessing automation for a future that works. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Featured%20Insights/Digital%20Disruption/Harnessing%20automation%20for%20a%20futur e%20that%20works/MGI-A-future-that-works _Full-report.ashx
This is a very detailed report (148 pages) from the McKinsey Global Institute that examines the potential impact of automation on various industries and jobs. There is also much discussion on the policies and practices that can help us transition smoothly into this new future of work. The report finds that though automation has the potential to dramatically increase productivity and improve quality of life for workers, it also requires careful planning to mitigate potential negative impacts. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of reskilling workers to ensure that their skills are sufficient to thrive in the automated future of work. This report is relevant to my topic because it has a lot of statistics and models that show how our work will likely be completely automated in the coming future. I’m using this data as evidence that automation and artificial intelligence are likely to cause a jobless future, which will have negative overall consequences for humanity. The report comes from McKinsey Global Institute, which is Mckinsey’s institute for business and economics research. They publish a lot of fact-based insights to inform policy and management decisions and are well-respected.
Saros, D. (2021). Principles of Political Economy (Chap. 4). Open Textbook Library. https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/principles-of-political-economy
This open textbook by Daniel Saros provides an introduction to the principles of political economy, covering topics such as supply and demand, market structures, and economic policy. In chapter 4, Saros discusses the labor theory of value, which was developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. The chapter explains how this theory proposes that the value of a product is determined by the amount of labor that goes into its production, and how this concept is used to critique capitalist exploitation.
Smith, A. (1759). The Theory of Moral Sentiments. Project Gutenberg. Retrieved from https://www.gutenberg.org/files/41547/41547-h/41547-h.htm
In this work, Adam Smith explores the nature of human morality and the psychological processes that underlie moral judgment. He argues that moral sentiments, such as sympathy and benevolence, are essential to human nature and provide the basis for our moral judgments. Smith's ideas influenced the development of moral philosophy and continue to be relevant to contemporary debates about ethics and human nature.
Smith, A. (1776). An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. Project Gutenberg. Retrieved from https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3300/3300-h/3300-h.htm
This is a classic work on economics by the Scottish economist Adam Smith. In the book, Smith analyzes the principles of political economy and proposes theories about the causes of the wealth of nations. He argues that a free market economy, with limited government intervention, will produce the most efficient and prosperous society. Smith's ideas were highly influential in the development of modern capitalism, and his work remains relevant to economists and policymakers today.
Young, Julian. (2003). The death of God and the meaning of life. London ; New York : Routledge.
In this book by Young, he explores the profound consequences of the decline of traditional religious beliefs on the quest for meaning in human existence. Young delves into the concept of the "death of God," which suggests that traditional notions of God and religious frameworks have lost their authority and relevance in contemporary society. By examining the works of influential philosophers like Nietzsche and Heidegger, Young investigates the implications of this cultural shift. He explores various responses to the crisis, ranging from existentialist perspectives to religious adaptations attempting to reinterpret traditional beliefs in light of modern challenges.
Zechmann, A., & Paul, K. I. (2019). Why do individuals suffer during unemployment? Analyzing
the role of deprived psychological needs in a six-wave longitudinal study. Journal of occupational health psychology, 24(6), 641.
This is a study that examines the psychological meaning of employment and its impact on psychological distress during unemployment and reemployment. The study introduces a deprivation model that suggests that unemployment deprives individuals of the psychological needs that are important for mental health, such as time structure, social contact, status, activity, and collective purpose. The results are based on a study that includes 1,061 participants who were unemployed or lost their jobs during the study. This study is relevant to my topic because I’m using the results to show that the importance of employment extends beyond our need for money. There are various psychological needs that having work brings; therefore, a jobless society would cause suffering because these psychological needs would not be met. The source is from two professors at Friedrich-Alexander University, a German university. Their research is very extensive and is based on many well-established models. It should provide useful insights to the importance of having work.