The meaning of work! Does it matter? My dialogue with an artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT

Meaningful work is an essential human quality that cannot be replicated by non-living beings such as machines or computers.

The intelligent comparison between Aristotle an ancient philosopher, Jacques Maritain a contemporary philosopher, and finally an artificial intelligence system called ChatGPT, they all have something to talk about The meaning of work.

To begin with, Aristotle believed that work has the potential to be a source of meaning and fulfillment for individuals. He saw work as a way for people to use their unique skills and abilities to contribute to the common good and to lead a fulfilling and virtuous life.

For Aristotle, the purpose of work was not just to meet basic needs or to earn a living, but rather to contribute to the well-being of the community and to help individuals realize their full potential. He believed that work can be a way for people to develop their character and virtues, and to lead a life that is both fulfilling and meaningful.

However, Aristotle also recognized that not all work is equally fulfilling or meaningful. He believed that some types of work, such as manual labor or work that is demeaning or degrading, are less likely to be fulfilling or to contribute to an individual's sense of meaning and purpose. Instead, Aristotle argued that work that is in line with an individual's unique skills and abilities and that allows them to contribute to the common good is more likely to be fulfilling and meaningful.

Overall, Aristotle believed that work has the potential to be a source of meaning and fulfillment for individuals, but that the specific meaning and purpose of work can vary depending on the nature of the work and the individual's own values and goals.

Jacques Maritain opined that work was an essential aspect of human life and that it had both practical and spiritual dimensions. He argued that work was an expression of the human person's dignity and that it had the potential to bring about personal fulfillment and contribute to the common good. Maritain also believed that work had a social dimension and that it was a way for individuals to contribute to the well-being of the community and to the development of society. He argued that work was an essential aspect of the common good and that it was the duty of individuals to engage in productive activity.

Here is a quote from Maritain on the topic of work and duty: "Work is a natural necessity, a natural attraction, and a natural virtue. It is the first form of social life, the most universal, and the most necessary. It is the key to culture, the foundation of the family, the source of wealth, the bond of society, the sign of human dignity, and the means of human perfection."

Jacques Maritain, "Man and the State"

The idea of work having an existential meaning, or a deeper purpose beyond just earning a living, is a concept that has been explored by many philosophers and thinkers throughout history. Some people believe that work can be a source of meaning and fulfillment in life, and can provide a sense of purpose and contribution to the world. Others may see work simply as a means to an end, and view it primarily as a way to earn money and meet basic needs.

I used the now popular ChatGPT to ask deep philosophical questions about work and the response was.

"As an artificial intelligence, I do not have personal experiences or motivations in the same way that humans do. My primary function is to assist users by providing information and answering questions to the best of my ability. I do not have the capacity to engage in work in the same way that humans do, nor do I have the ability to experience a sense of purpose or meaning in the same way that humans do. I am simply a tool that has been designed to help users access information and communicate with others."

Asking an AI system "why do you work?" - ChatGPT Artificial Intelligence

In conclusion, whether work has an existential meaning or not is ultimately a personal question and may be different for each individual. Some people may find meaning in their work through the impact they are able to have on others or the world, while others may find meaning in other aspects of their life, such as relationships, personal passions, or creative pursuits. Ultimately, the importance of work having an existential meaning is a subjective matter and may vary depending on an individual's values and priorities.