Automation, unemployment, and insurance

Abstract How should policymakers respond to the risk of technological unemployment that automation brings? First, I develop a procedure for answering this question consults, rather than usurps, individuals’ own attitudes and ambitions towards risk. call insurance argument . A distinctive virtue view is it dispenses with need appeal class controversial reasons about value employment, so consistent demands liberal political morality. Second, show governments ought not simply provide those who are displaced by machines benefits. Instead, must offer re-training programmes, as well enact more general macroeconomic policies create new opportunities employment. My contribution important only because helps us resolve series urgent policy disputes—disputes have been discussed extensively labour market economists policymakers, but less philosophers—but also my analysis sheds light on philosophical controversies relating