Artificial Intelligence 3

Artificial Intelligence and Work

Fear of machines, or ‘technological unemployment’, as economist John Maynard Keynes called it, is nothing new. In the 19^th century, radical textile workers, known as Luddites, smashed newly introduced mechanised looms. They feared that the machines would reduce their work. But, even as far back as the 4^th century BC, political philosopher, Aristotle foresaw problems. He predicted that “If every instrument could accomplish its own work… the shuttle would weave, and the plectrum touch the lyre, without a hand to guide them, chief workmen would not want servants, nor master slaves.”

While technology can initially increase employment by decreasing costs and increasing demand, there is a saturation point. Fewer people will be required to do the work. There is also the evidence that low-skilled work has been paying less, in real terms, for decades. And what if those now unemployed people are not qualified or able to do a different job? What becomes of the taxi or HGV drivers once self-drive vehicles are rolled out?

What if there is an unwillingness to plough back savings into compensating decreased employment? New socio-economic arrangements need to be explored. One solution would be to provide a Universal Basic Income (UBI) to everyone, regardless of circumstance. This would allow people to spend their time as they please. When Leon Bagrit anticipated the loss of work for humans, he also saw that it was important that people are educated to enjoy the fullest possible lives.  

For more articles on Artificial Intelligence, please see First Reith Lecture, and Third Reith Lecture.

For previous Kent Byline articles, I’ve also written on the Covert Human Intelligence Services Act, and Freeports.