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Philosophy · 05 / 08

Work and technology: power and dependence

Final-year concepts · Worked example and 4 exercises with solutions, at your pace.

Need a foundation?Philosophy: construct a problem
UnderstandSee an exampleGuided exercise3 progressive challenges

The principle, simply

Work can transform surroundings and build capacities, while its conditions may create dependence or remove meaning. Technology organises means towards an end. Technical power alone does not establish the value of that end: examine who decides, who benefits and which constraints emerge.

THE PICTURE TO REMEMBERWork and technology: power and dependence
  1. 01Means and ends
  2. 02New capacities
  3. 03Conditions and dependence
  4. 04Reasoned judgement

WORKED EXAMPLE

From principle to reasoning

Automating repetitive work can free time. Yet an imposed machine pace and loss of control can increase dependence. Conditions of use matter.

Solve a problem in this subject

  1. Distinguish concepts

    Define terms in context. Test two meanings with examples; a distinction often reveals the problem.

  2. Expose a difficulty

    State a plausible answer and a serious objection. Explain why each is defensible and how their tension concerns the exact question.

  3. Argue and examine

    Connect premises and conclusion. Explain how an example supports the reasoning and which conditions limit it.

  4. Develop a progression

    Each next answer should address the previous limit. Conclude from your reasoning without inventing author quotations.

YOUR TURN

01 · Try before checking

Qualify “Every technical advance makes us free.”

One hint

Separate capacity to act from control over conditions.

Reveal and understand the solution

An advance can widen material possibilities without ensuring autonomy. Examine access, skills, organisation and decision-making power. The objection challenges universality, not the existence of benefits.

Compare method, conditions and answer; identify the exact part to revisit.

IMPROVE THROUGH PRACTICE

Three additional challenges with solutions

Start with the first challenge. Write your method before opening a hint; use the solution to find the first step that needs work.

Reflect after practising
02 · Recognise and understandLink to this exercise

Does a time-saving machine automatically increase autonomy?

A hint to get started

Material gain differs from control over conditions.

Step-by-step solution
  1. Saved time can expand possibilities.
  2. Dependence, surveillance or organisation can restrict autonomy.
  3. Analyse use and conditions rather than technical performance alone.

Which step did you miss? Retry without help, then explain why the method works.

03 · Apply the methodLink to this exercise

Distinguish work as constraint from work as fulfilment.

A hint to get started

Both dimensions can coexist.

Step-by-step solution
  1. Work imposes effort, schedules or economic necessity.
  2. It can also develop skill and recognition.
  3. Their relative importance depends on actual working conditions.

Which step did you miss? Retry without help, then explain why the method works.

04 · Go furtherLink to this exercise

Object to “Every technical advance is moral progress”.

A hint to get started

The ability to act does not determine what ought to be done.

Step-by-step solution
  1. Technology expands means of action.
  2. Those means can serve opposing goals.
  3. Moral progress requires ethical criteria and choices beyond performance.

Which step did you miss? Retry without help, then explain why the method works.

The trap to avoid

Favourable examples alone do not address conditions and counterexamples.

Without notes, can you…

  • Explain the principle in your own words?
  • Rebuild the diagram and its connections?
  • Solve the exercise and justify the method?

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