Realizing Rawls in an Automated Future

Abstract: Recent advances in artificial intelligence have enabled machines to take over many of the tasks that could previously only be carried out by humans. This trend is expected to continue, urging political theory to propose ideas for how the organization of society can be adapted accordingly. Drawing upon John Rawls’s theory of justice, this thesis argues that automation can be instrumental in bringing about the just society. However, this would have to be a socialist society that strives for a minimal input of human labour in the production process. To support this claim, I first introduce four scenarios for a future society with access to technology that can replace most human workers. I then proceed to show that rational agents behind the veil of ignorance would prefer the scenario where said technology is collectively owned and fully utilized, as this is the only kind of society in which Rawls’s two principles of justice could be realized. In presenting this argument, the thesis offers theoretical insights on how we are to understand Rawls’s theory in light of changing social circumstances, as well as practical suggestions on how to effectively seize the many opportunities that these circumstances grant us.