Evaluating Automation's Impact on Employment

Very Hard Critical Reasoning Evaluating Arguments

A recent debate among economists discussed the impact of automation on employment. One economist claimed, "While automation may lead to immediate job losses in some sectors, it ultimately creates new job opportunities in higher-skilled industries, resulting in a net positive effect on employment over time." Another economist countered, "However, the transition to higher-skilled jobs requires time and investment in education, which many workers may not have access to, thus causing prolonged economic hardship for those displaced by automation."

Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the first economist's argument?

Recent studies show that most workers displaced by automation do not transition to higher-skilled jobs within five years.

Investment in education has increased significantly in recent years, allowing more workers to gain new skills.

Automation has historically created more jobs than it has destroyed in the past century.

Higher-skilled industries are experiencing significant growth due to advances in technology.

Hint

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