The Future of Work and Death

The Future of Work and Death is a thought-provoking documentary released in 2016 that provides an insightful exploration into what the future might look like concerning two of the most fundamental aspects of human life- work and mortality. The film, featuring some of the most distinguished minds in philosophy, science, technology, and futurism, aims to examine the advancements of the age of automation and the potential impacts on human employment, as well as the potentiality of technological immortality through advancements in medical and digital technologies.

The film stars Stuart Armstrong, a Research Fellow at the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University; Isaac Asimov, a prolific author and professor renowned for his works in science fiction, and Peter Cochrane, an experienced technologist and futurist. These are only a few of the thinkers who lend their intricate perspectives to this fascinating dialogue on humanity's future.

Patrons of the documentary are prompted to question our inevitability of the human experience as we understand it when the film rhetorically asks - what would happen if we no longer have to work for a living or even face death? The Future of Work and Death takes a deep and futuristic dive into these intense topics that lean philosophically heavy.

Much of the film is focused on our working lives. Armstrong, Asimov, Cochrane, and other contributors clearly articulate the inevitability and potential of automation and artificial intelligence in the world of work. From automating manual to administrative tasks, the film introduces the viewer to the conversation about jobs and skills being increasingly vulnerable to technological redundancy in the future. It deliberates on the potential socio-economic shift towards a society where individuals are free from the constraints of work allowing for exploration of passions and personal development.

The documentary, through its experts and contributors, also raises pertinent questions about what a jobless future would look like from economic, sociological, and psychological perspectives. Would we embrace more leisure time, or would we witness increasing psychological disorders resulting from a lack of daily routine? What would happen to socio-economic structures in a world without traditional employment? The movie provides a thoughtful delineation into these potential scenarios, engaging the audience with substantial and reflective arguments.

The second half of the film delves into even more speculative and profound territory, as it confronts the possibility of technological immortality. Is death a fundamental part of human existence, or is it just a 'technical problem' that can be solved? With the involvement of Isaac Asimov, this section of the film provides viewers with an eye-opening journey into the realms of potential life extension and digital immortality. Experts ponder concepts such as uploading our consciousness into servers, genetic modifications, and the eradication of ageing at a cellular level.

Eye-opening and intellectually stimulating, The Future of Work and Death elicits a multitude of feelings. It is simultaneously hopeful and unsettling. It challenges our basic understanding of life’s two inevitable aspects: work and death but also presents a future brimming with potential and technological advances that could reshape humanity for good.

Cutting events from across the globe further accentuate the issues at hand and provide real-world connotations to the theoretical debates at play within the film. Each aspect of the film is beautifully juxtaposed to create a narrative that is captivating and stimulating for the audience.

The Future of Work and Death is a well executively and profoundly analytical film. It is an intellectual stimulant, one that argues for and against the concerns and opportunities of a world revolutionized by technology. While the film doesn't necessarily provide definitive answers, it encourages critical thought and discussion of the topics it addresses. It takes the viewers on a journey of future possibilities leaving them pondering about the potential consequences, benefits, and impacts these advancements could have on human existence.

Overall, The Future of Work and Death is a must-watch for those intrigued by the future of humanity, technological advancements, or those interested in philosophical, economic, and social discussions. It serves as both a warning and an invitation to a future that we are slowly, but surely, stepping into.