The Labor Theory of Value in the Context of Artificial Intelligence: A Historical and Classical Review.

Zhang, Xu; Yu, Mengmeng

In recent years, research on the labor theory of value in the context of artificial intelligence has become a focus of social attention. A new round of discussion, centered on topics including "value creation in the context of artificial intelligence," "the applicability of the labor theory of value in the era of artificial intelligence" and "the development trend of artificial intelligence and human labor" is under way in academic circles. The core issue is whether the classical labor theory of value has become obsolete in the era of artificial intelligence. At the same time, consensus remains lacking on a number of major theoretical issues. In light of this the present study, which sets out to trace history on a problem-awareness basis, finds that since the 1980s the economics community has responded scientifically to the assertions, made in the context of the new technological revolution, that "machines create value" and that "the classical labor theory of value is no longer valid." Over the years, new ideas and explanations have been put forward. Reviewing the classics, and basing itself on the theoretical framework of Marxist political economy, this article re-examines the significance of the labor theory of value in the era of artificial intelligence, with a view to deepening understanding of Marx's labor theory of value, clarifying doubts concerning its validity, and enhancing the practical explanatory power of its content.

LABOR theory of value; ARTIFICIAL intelligence; VALUE creation; TECHNOLOGICAL revolution; VALUE (Economics)

International Critical Thought, 2024, Vol 14, Issue 4, p519

2159-8282

Academic Journal

10.1080/21598282.2024.2431466