How can ‘orare et laborare’ guide the person-technology relationship during the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

Abstract

This article has an exploratory scope based on a theoretical-conceptual approach. The purpose is to shed light on how the human-technology relationship should be in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to discover the profound meaning of human work. We have elaborated our proposals from a perspective emanating from Catholic Social Teaching and Ethics, grounded in the connection between the transcendent dimension of life (represented by the verb ‘orare’) and labour activity (‘laborare’). Given the importance of humans' spiritual dimension and the new challenges presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we examine which principles should guide the person-technology relationship to ensure the meaning of work in this new context. First, we scrutinise the vision of ‘work’ from an anthropological angle. Next, we investigate the characteristic features of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and we review these new circumstances' foreseeable impact from an organisational standpoint. Finally, we give recommendations to enhance the individual's spiritual dimension, work, and business decision-making.