Debate Topic : "Mechanization (for example robotics) does not in itself reduce the need and opportunities for waged workers."

AGAINST THE TOPIC

1) Is there a fixed and unchanging number of human needs or wants - such that, the more of these are produced or delivered by machines, the less work there is for human workers? Are needs changed and created by circumstances?

2) Does labour shedding in one part of the economy open up opportunities for profits in other parts of the economy? Here I encourage you to think about the effects of mechanization on wages and working conditions through out the economy. Does unemployment affect wages in a way which creates opportunities for labour intensive firms?

3) Connected to this, can you think of types of firms (especially labour intensive ones) which would be most unlikely to exist if they could not empl;oy casual, relatviely unskilled and very lo paid labour? SHOULD such industries thrive in the era of mechanization? Are these the sorts of jobs we want a great proportion of individuals to have?

4) Can you think of any work or activity that essentially require - so to speak - INTRISICALLY HUMAN characteristics? Can you think of jobs which essentially require some sort of contact or relation between humans (as workers or professionals or providers) and humans (as clients or customers?) What would these "human characteristics" be? Are you sure that human labour could not, ever be replaced in these activities or jobs? Why or why not?

5) How, in the context of the market society and economy in which WE live - could those "human" jobs be funded? Are they the sorts of jobs which are very profitable for private companies or businesses? If not,. how could they be funded?