찰스 디킨스의 『어려운 시절』에 나타나는 기계 시대의 초상은 어떻게 AI 시대에도 유효한가

Abstract

In Hard Times, which was published in 1854, social systems in which laborers’ hardships are neglected in favor of a majority are criticized. In the novel, contemporaries are warned about the possible abuses of education that focuses on mathematical and scientific knowledge. Dickens regarded the entire social system or discourses that supported industrialization, including Social Darwinism and Utilitarianism as problematic. It appears that Dickens expressed his concern about society’s progression toward dehumanization and uniformity. He stressed his view that a society that cherishes individual free will based on rich emotions and empathy, is a truly prosperous one. England’s reality in the 19th century, when industrialization was accelerated, is similar to the imminent artificial intelligence (AI) era we are currently experiencing. It is essential to employ imagination and empathy to cooperate with others. Furthermore, it is important to alter our beliefs when proven to be incorrect. Moreover, it is imperative to rely on collective intelligence with collaboration. Knowledge out of context is no longer applicable. Imagination and emotion help humans to convey their humanity. Charles Dickens emphasized the important functions of literature by employing various rhetorical devices and contesting narratives. He revealed that people can nurture human virtues by reading literature in 19th century England, a highly industrialized society. With the eminent AI era, we are able to reflect on true human virtues and functions of literature by studying Charles Dickens’ Hard Times.