The Limits of Technological Determinism: The Anthropological Dimension of Automation in Discussions about the Future of Work

Abstract

At the beginning of the 21st century, humanity faces the problem of radical transformations of work relations under the influence of technological automation. The scientific community discusses the prospects of a post-work future in which work as employment will lose its importance in people's lives. These discussions also raise questions about the predetermination of technological change, as well as about the criteria and values that guide the creation of technologies. The purpose of the article is to consider the controversy about automation and the future of work. With the help of theoretical reconstruction and comparison of the main provisions and arguments of the prevailing trends, the author of the article finds that they are united by similar conclusions about the deterministic nature of automation as a force beyond human control; a one-sided view of the role of work in human life; ignoring the problem of using technology to intensify non-automated work. An alternative to technological determinism in modern discussions is the critical theory of technology, which challenges the linear and unidirectional path of technology development. As a result of the analysis, the author comes to the conclusion that automation, guided by the goals of prosperity and development of mankind, reorientation from economic incentives to sources of non-economic motivation opens up a new future of work in its meaning-forming quality as a creative, socially oriented, and meaningful activity that satisfies the needs of the individual in creativity and social realization.