On August 27, 2024, the conference titled “Toiling with Tech: Human Labor, Robots and Technology in the 21st Century” was held at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, University of Tokyo. The conference explored how the rapid advancement of technology, particularly in AI and robotics, impacts the nature of human labor and identity. It provided a multidisciplinary forum to discuss the future role of labor in society and examine ethical, economic, and philosophical questions related to technology’s expanding presence in human life.
The conference opened with a keynote by Takahiro Nakajima of the University of Tokyo, titled “Daoing of Technology.”Nakajima discussed how Daoist philosophy, particularly the concept of “Dao” or “The Way,” can provide insights for technology development. He argued that technology should not merely be a tool for constant innovation but rather a balanced force harmonized with human and environmental well-being. He suggested that a “Daoing” approach to technology could foster a more ethical and sustainable direction for future advancements.
Following Nakajima’s talk, Alex Englander from Bonn University presented “Labour and Liberation,” in which he addressed the potential of moving away from traditional labor models to promote human growth and autonomy. Englander questioned modern society’s emphasis on work as central to identity and proposed a vision of fulfillment that transcends economic productivity. He highlighted the potential for technology to support a society focused on personal and collective enrichment rather than conventional labor.
Christiane Schäfer’s presentation, “AI as Topos of Work,” examined AI as a “topos” or transformative space within modern work environments. Schäfer argued that AI can reshape labor by respecting human values through ethical application and transparency. She emphasized that AI should not only enhance productivity but also be developed within an ethical framework to protect human dignity and creative potential.
After the lunch break, David Zapero continued with “Humanism and the Infosphere,” discussing the ethical dimensions of the “infosphere” in the digital age. He advocated for a human-centered approach to AI, highlighting the importance of empathy and social cohesion in a rapidly digitalizing world. Zapero argued that the development of AI must prioritize humanistic values to create supportive online communities and a more compassionate digital environment.
Chelsea Haramia presented “Only Roses: Transformative Experience and Life without Labor,” exploring alternatives to conventional work by focusing on transformative life experiences. She suggested that society could achieve fulfillment through personal growth and deepened human relationships, proposing a vision of a technology-enhanced future that frees people from traditional labor, allowing them to pursue meaningful experiences.
Wakanyi Hoffman introduced “Ubuntu 2.0: A Compatible Hybrid Intelligence for Human and Machine Co-Living,” a concept rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu. She presented a vision for a collaborative future where human empathy and AI capabilities converge to foster ethical and cooperative relationships. Hoffman’s Ubuntu 2.0 advocates for a symbiotic human-AI relationship, emphasizing empathy and shared responsibility for an inclusive technological future.
Finally, Yuki Tanaka from the University of Tokyo presented “The Philosophy of Technology as Ritual in Premodern China.”Tanaka explored how ancient Chinese views on technology were deeply rooted in ritualistic and ethical values. By treating technology as part of ethical and social practice, Tanaka argued that premodern Chinese philosophies offer valuable insights for sustainable technology use today.
Throughout the conference, various perspectives highlighted the transformative impact of AI, robotics, and automation on human labor and identity. Discussions ranged from the humanistic approach to technology to new ideas in hybrid intelligence, raising questions about how society can respond to these challenges ethically and sustainably. The conference concluded with a shared understanding that as technology continues to advance, an ethical and balanced approach is essential for harmonious coexistence between humans and machines in the 21st century.
Reporter: Dan Yi (EAA Project Researcher)