The effect of AI on “jobs” needs to be anticipated and analysed – and the analysis should inform the decisions and timing of decisions of those bodies that attempt to guide our societies.
?However, this is “just” necessary pragmatism to adjust the current systems by which we live.
?There is a bigger challenge of how to provide equity for the 8 billion of us in the future.? And that should, in my opinion, be part of the conversation that might turn into positive action.
?Life is not fair.? None of us asked to be born. People are free to procreate without qualification for parenthood.? We – most of us – accept the society we are born into and live as best we can within the “rules” we learn. Some are lucky and some much less so.
?When empathy is lacking, the human race can and does inflict harmful and pointless destruction and cruelty on itself.
?These simple observations suggest we need to re-examine the core purposes and needs of humanity.
?That’s not the subject for this LinkedIn post – just the preamble to remind us that there is a larger picture and challenge that our (relatively) small issue might help address.
?Some thoughts from ChatGPT4:
The many conversations about the impact of AI on "jobs" is important BUT they rarely touch upon the core issue of whether humans should be striving to "automate" nearly all "jobs" to release them from the necessity of spending such a large portion of their time (and lives) in those activities. Examining that question raises issues such as "fairness" and "sharing" in society. Please suggest a framework for thinking and discussing these core and basic issues.
The question of whether to automate nearly all jobs and the implications it has on fairness and sharing in society is indeed complex. Here’s a framework for thinking about and discussing these core issues:
- Defining the Goals of Automation: Economic Efficiency: Determine whether the primary goal of automation is to increase productivity and economic efficiency. Quality of Life: Consider how automation can improve the overall quality of life by reducing manual labour, increasing leisure time, and allowing humans to engage in more creative and fulfilling activities.
- Assessing the Impact on Employment: Job Displacement: Discuss the potential for automation to displace jobs and the sectors most likely to be affected. Job Creation: Explore how automation might create new job opportunities in tech, maintenance, and other industries. Transition Support: Consider policies needed to support workers transitioning from displaced jobs to new opportunities, such as retraining programs and educational initiatives.
- Economic Redistribution: Income Distribution: Discuss how the wealth generated by increased productivity due to automation should be distributed. Should there be mechanisms like universal basic income (UBI)? Tax Policies: Explore the feasibility of taxing automation or the use of robots to fund social welfare programs.
- Ethical Considerations: Fairness: What constitutes fair access to the benefits of automation? How do we ensure that automation does not widen existing social and economic inequalities? Autonomy and Purpose: Consider the human need for purpose and autonomy. How does removing the necessity of work affect individuals’ sense of purpose and their societal roles?
- Societal Readiness: Cultural Shifts: Evaluate the cultural readiness for a shift towards less work-centric lifestyles. How do societal values need to evolve to embrace these changes? Policy and Governance: Discuss the roles of different stakeholders, including governments, corporations, and civil society, in shaping a future where human labour is less necessary.
- Long-term Sustainability: Environmental Impact: Consider how automation aligns with sustainable development goals. Does automation lead to more efficient use of resources, or does it potentially increase consumption and waste? Technological Resilience: Evaluate the resilience of highly automated systems against failures, cybersecurity threats, and other risks.
- Public Engagement and Education: Awareness and Understanding: Enhance public understanding of the implications of automation through education and open dialogues. Democratic Participation: Encourage public participation in decision-making processes regarding automation policies to ensure they reflect the collective will and ethical standards of the society.
By structuring the discussion around these themes, you can more thoroughly explore the nuanced implications of automation on society and craft thoughtful, inclusive policies that aim to maximize the benefits while mitigating the downsides.
Food for thought - and then action. Our governments have a duty to address this urgent issue.