Robots are us: some economics of human replacement

"Will smart machines replace humans like the internal combustion engine replaced horses? If so, can putting people out of work, or at least out of good work, also put the economy out of business? Our model says yes. Under the right conditions, more supply produces, over time, less demand as the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, Benzell, Seth G., Kotlikoff, Laurence J., LaGarda, Guillermo, Sachs, Jeffrey D.
Institution:ETUI-European Trade Union Institute
Format: TEXT
Language:English
Published: Cambridge, MA 2015
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Online Access:https://www.labourline.org/KENTIKA-19115116124919333989-Robots-are-us-some-economics-o.htm
Description
Summary:"Will smart machines replace humans like the internal combustion engine replaced horses? If so, can putting people out of work, or at least out of good work, also put the economy out of business? Our model says yes. Under the right conditions, more supply produces, over time, less demand as the smart machines undermine their customer base. Highly tailored skill- and generation-specific redistribution policies can keep smart machines from immiserating humanity. But blunt policies, such as mandating open-source technology, can make matters worse. "
Physical Description:38 p.
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