The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Humanoids, humanity and agency

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapters

Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is capable of multiple meanings, and these are reviewed here. These meanings are reflected in different discourses that currently construct 4IR. One describes it as a significant source of social disruption as a result of new technologies with the capacity to displace workers yet deliver significant efficiencies. In this scenario, such processes demand new skills for an ever-diminishing workforce. A second discourse views the proposed changes as part of a socio-technical imaginary preparing the way for yet more neo-liberal policies designed to support elites rather than all citizens. Following analyses of these two discourses implications are drawn for the values that can aid in responding to 4IR’s technologies, their human/technology fusion and their impact in an ever changing social and political environments. Copyright © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Kerry J. Kennedy, Margarita Pavlova and John Chi-Kin Lee; individual chapters, the contributors.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSoft skills and hard values: Meeting education's 21st century challenges
EditorsKerry J. KENNEDY, Margarita PAVLOVA, John Chi-Kin LEE
Place of PublicationOxon; New York
PublisherRoutledge
Pages37-50
ISBN (Electronic)9781003219415
ISBN (Print)9781032113364
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Citation

Kennedy, K. J. (2023). The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Humanoids, humanity and agency. In K. J. Kennedy, M. Pavlova, & J. C.-K. Lee (Eds.), Soft skills and hard values: Meeting education's 21st century challenges (pp. 37-50). Oxon; New York: Routledge.

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