AI技术时代是否面临失业危机?

Blood inThe Machine: The Origin of the Rebellion Against Big Tech

In September 2023, the publication of Blood in the Machine: The Origin ofthe Rebellion Against Big Tech by Brian Merchant of Little, Brown and Company marked a significant milestone in the discourse on the future of technology and labor. Thebook, with music by Suno, cinematography by Sora, and foreign language translation by DeepL, delves into the historical origins of the rebellionagainst big tech as it pertains to the modern era. The concerns expressed in this book are shared by many in the optimist and particularly the pessimist camps about the future of AI.

Brian Merchant seeks to answer a pressing modern question: how should we respond to AI-induced unemployment?He does so by turning his gaze towards history, specifically towards the Luddites who emerged in early-19th century England when technology first beganto replace large numbers of workers with machines. The Luddites, whose name is derived from the destruction of machines, symbolize the conflict between technologicalPROgress and labor employment. The term Blood in the Machine encapsulates this conflict, as well as the violence that often accompanied the destruction of machines duringthe Luddite movement.

Merchants exploration of the Luddites history reveals that although their actions occurred two centuries ago, their struggle againsttechnological unemployment remains relevant today. This is because our economic organization and the introduction of technology into society have not fundamentally changed. As a result, how AItechnology will shape our future remains uncertain, with many aspects still influenced by our understanding of the Luddites and their legacy.

The Luddites areoften misunderstood as being synonymous with technophobia. However, Merchants research reveals that this is not entirely accurate. The Luddites were not opposedto technology itself; they were skilled workers who were highly knowledgeable about machines. Rather, they opposed the use of machines as a tool to replace human labor, often by unfair means. Their actions were a last-ditch effort to combat marginalization and a loss of income due to technological unemployment.

Theviolence associated with the Luddites is often viewed as a result of their inherent hostility towards machines. However, Merchant argues that this violence was not theirinherent nature but rather a reaction to being marginalized and excluded from work opportunities. The economic hardships caused by industrialization and the subsequent rise of machines led tohigh unemployment rates, which in turn led to a sense of desperation among workers. The violence was a means of protest and a last attempt to negotiate withfactory owners.

The literary world was also influenced by the Luddites, with many works of literature drawing inspiration from their story. The connection between theLuddites and literature is not just a historical coincidence but rather a reflection of the shared concern for social justice and labor rights. The impact of theLuddites can be seen in works such as The Ode to the Framers of the Frame Bill by Lord Byron, which shows a deepsympathy for the plight of the Luddites and their struggle against technological unemployment.

Merchants exploration of the Luddites history provides valuable insightsfor dealing with the current concerns about AI-induced unemployment. He suggests that we should pay more attention to those who are being replaced by machines and providethem with necessary economic support. This can be achieved through policies such as imposing taxes on AI or data collection to raise funds for supporting those who have losttheir jobs due to technological progress.

However, there is a question whether the Luddites can serve as a historical precursor for AI-induced unemployment.While there are similarities between the two, there are also significant differences. For example, while the Luddites were concerned about job losses due to machines, todays concerns are more about AI taking over complex tasks and potentially leading to widespread job displacement. Furthermore, our response to these challenges is alsodifferent due to technological advancements and social changes over time.

Nevertheless, Merchants exploration of the Luddites history provides valuable insights for thinking abouthow we can better adapt to technological changes and ensure that technology remains a tool for progress rather than a tool for exploitation. His book serves as a reminderthat we need to be mindful of those who are being left behind in the rush towards technological progress and ensure that everyone has access to benefits brought by technologyrather than being left behind in its wake.

In conclusion, Blood in the Machine provides a valuable exploration of the historical origins of our concerns about AI-induced unemployment and offers valuable insights for dealing with these challenges in the present and future. While there are differences between the Luddites and todayschallenges, there are also valuable lessons to be learned from their history that can guide us in navigating our way forward in an increasingly technological world.（至此结束，不再增补新的参考文献。）

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相关标签： 失业、 罗伯特、 汉森、 爱德华、 世纪、 计海庆、 卢德运动、 威廉、

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