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Realizing Rawls in an Automated Future

Eriksson, Kalle LU (2018) STVM25 20181
Department of Political Science
Abstract
Recent advances in artificial intelligence have enabled machines to take over many of the tasks that could previously only be carried out by humans. This trend is expected to continue, urging political theory to propose ideas for how the organization of society can be adapted accordingly. Drawing upon John Rawls’s theory of justice, this thesis argues that automation can be instrumental in bringing about the just society. However, this would have to be a socialist society that strives for a minimal input of human labour in the production process. To support this claim, I first introduce four scenarios for a future society with access to technology that can replace most human workers. I then proceed to show that rational agents behind the... (More)
Recent advances in artificial intelligence have enabled machines to take over many of the tasks that could previously only be carried out by humans. This trend is expected to continue, urging political theory to propose ideas for how the organization of society can be adapted accordingly. Drawing upon John Rawls’s theory of justice, this thesis argues that automation can be instrumental in bringing about the just society. However, this would have to be a socialist society that strives for a minimal input of human labour in the production process. To support this claim, I first introduce four scenarios for a future society with access to technology that can replace most human workers. I then proceed to show that rational agents behind the veil of ignorance would prefer the scenario where said technology is collectively owned and fully utilized, as this is the only kind of society in which Rawls’s two principles of justice could be realized. In presenting this argument, the thesis offers theoretical insights on how we are to understand Rawls’s theory in light of changing social circumstances, as well as practical suggestions on how to effectively seize the many opportunities that these circumstances grant us. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Eriksson, Kalle LU
supervisor
organization
course
STVM25 20181
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
automation, John Rawls, justice as fairness, socialism, property-owning democracy
language
English
id
8939479
date added to LUP
2018-08-22 08:25:33
date last changed
2018-08-22 08:25:33
@misc{8939479,
  abstract     = {{Recent advances in artificial intelligence have enabled machines to take over many of the tasks that could previously only be carried out by humans. This trend is expected to continue, urging political theory to propose ideas for how the organization of society can be adapted accordingly. Drawing upon John Rawls’s theory of justice, this thesis argues that automation can be instrumental in bringing about the just society. However, this would have to be a socialist society that strives for a minimal input of human labour in the production process. To support this claim, I first introduce four scenarios for a future society with access to technology that can replace most human workers. I then proceed to show that rational agents behind the veil of ignorance would prefer the scenario where said technology is collectively owned and fully utilized, as this is the only kind of society in which Rawls’s two principles of justice could be realized. In presenting this argument, the thesis offers theoretical insights on how we are to understand Rawls’s theory in light of changing social circumstances, as well as practical suggestions on how to effectively seize the many opportunities that these circumstances grant us.}},
  author       = {{Eriksson, Kalle}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Realizing Rawls in an Automated Future}},
  year         = {{2018}},
}