A Philosopher Looks at Work

by Raymond Geuss

Is work as we know it disappearing? And if so why should we care? These questions are explored by Raymond Geuss in this compact but sweeping survey which integrates conceptual analysis, historical reflection, autobiography and social commentary. Geuss explores our concept of work and its origins in industrial production, the incentives and compulsions which societies use to get us to work, and the powerful hold which the work ethic has over so many of us. He also looks at dissatisfaction with work - which is as old as work itself - and at various radical proposals for doing away with it, and at the seemingly irreversible growth of unemployment as a result of mechanisation. His book will interest anyone who wishes to understand the place of work in our world. This new series offers short and personal perspectives by expert thinkers on topics that we all encounter in our everyday lives.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics

150 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2021

About the author

Raymond Geuss, Emeritus Professor in the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Cambridge, is a political philosopher and scholar of 19th and 20th century European philosophy.

Reviews

[Taylor Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful and insightful treatment of the subject that, though brief, for its lucidity and wit, and for the easy grace of its writing, is refreshing.

[Sharad Pandian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geuss is clear and wide-ranging as usual, but what this book shows clearest is how very little philosophers seem capable of contributing to thinking about work (as opposed to the various anthropologists, sociologists, etc., whom Geuss draws from)

[Kio Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book by a brilliant modern Philosopher.

Raymond Geuss does a great job of expressing original thoughts, and observations, of the modern working life together, to provide a deeper understanding of the past, present and perhaps the future of work.

Usually I find it difficult to connect with modern philosophical text, however, Raymond Geuss' understanding and truth, is in my opinion, aligned with the honest foundation of philosophical thinking - free and unbiased observation and communication of 'truth'.

I personally appreciate his developed insight on the state of 'Nirvana', as it pertains to work and human society, he says, "One can take Nirvana to be the ultimate form of bliss if one wishes, and many have', I also do. He continues, "but there is no passion, desire, disappointment, frustration, triumph, or failure in Nirvana. That is one of the reasons why it seems so attractive to many, but also why it is not a good model for understanding human life and a hopeless one for understanding human society."

Fantastic read. I highly recommend.

[Mehrshad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read "Farsi" version

[Vittorio Veltroni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book full of witty insights, deeper on a second inspection, as usual with Geuss’ work. A bit light on the analysis of the impact of technological development on work and how that affects the nature of work itself, I had high hopes it would attack the ontological question of whether digital work counts as work and if that means that digital counts as real life.

[Oskari Mantere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good. Would recommend.

[Ashkan Darouni · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's a waste of time ...