Philosophy of work

Teacher(s)

Ghins Jean-Baptiste;

Language

French

Main themes

A range of conceptions of work co-exist in our culture, and are in competition with one another. Each has impli-cations that require philosophical reflection. The concept of work is based on that of activity, and that in turn is based on the delicate matter of the nature and production of humankind. The first part of the course undertakes a systematic examination of the various definitions of work and of their anthropological, moral and political implica-tions. With work currently in crisis, particular note will be taken here of how far unemployment and work co-relate in facts and in discourses. All political ar-gumentation on the subject of unemployment presupposes an idea of which it is the absence. The second part of the course varies from year to year, and consists of an in-depth examination of a theory based on books by writers such as Marx, Gorz and Hegel.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	The course will aim to stimulate reflection on the human and social meaning of work. The course will address traditional, contemporary themes such as work and action, work and language, the fu-ture of work, law in the workplace, and the distribution of work.

Content

The course consists of an exploration of various philosophies of labor, ranging from the more “canonical” approaches (Marx, Arendt, Weil) to more recent ones. Particular attention will be devoted to highlighting approaches that are relevant to current political contexts, including ecological, feminist, and decolonial perspectives.
The course begins from the Marxist doctrine according to which emancipation can only be achieved through collective control over the conditions of labor. It then embarks on a historical and conceptual journey to examine the limits and critiques of this paradigm. Indeed, the history of critical theory appears to be torn between the conviction that freedom can only be achieved through workers and the rejection of the anthropological reductionism that defines human beings primarily as workers.
Throughout the readings, students engage with different moments in the history of ideas that have marked significant reconfigurations in the way the relationship between labor and emancipation is understood. Students are also encouraged to draw connections between, on the one hand, different theories of labor and key stages in its legal regulation, and, on the other hand, different theories of labor and the various ways in which they shed light on contemporary issues (the relationship between work and private life, the devaluation/revaluation of occupations, burnout, AI and employment, domestic labor, etc.).

Teaching methods

The course is designed to resemble a research seminar as closely as possible. It seeks to engage students in a fundamental line of inquiry that serves as the common thread connecting the various texts and authors studied throughout the semester. Students are encouraged to participate actively in class and contribute directly to the learning dynamic by delivering presentations during different sessions. Required and recommended readings are communicated and made available in advance through the appropriate digital platforms.

Evaluation methods

Assessment will be divided into two components. First, students, either individually or in groups, will be required to give a presentation during a class session on a text or a key idea covered in the course. The presentation schedule will be established during the first class meetings. Second, students will take an oral examination during the examination period. The examination will cover the course material as well as the presentation they delivered. This assessment structure may be adjusted depending on the number of students enrolled in the course.

Other information

This course will consist of classes held in the evenings and/or on Saturdays.

Faculty or entity

> TRAV