The tale of two cities that is Human Replacement Theory establishes a conceptual model of the way each of the cities operates. These models, referred to as the Mechanical Model and the Anthropic Profile represent distinct approaches used in the establishment of organizational success. The Mechanical Model is that which is professed by professional management (the purview of both academics and management consultants) and is focused centrally on “What do we do next?” Its objective is to coordinate the actions of the organization in such a way as to optimize its productivity algorithm.
The Anthropic Profile is, alternatively, a framework for capturing a set of human beliefs and priorities that rests in the realm of philosophy and the humanities. It is primarily focused on establishing agreement as to the core beliefs of the organization as a launch-point for all subsequent thought and action. The Anthropic Profile ask the questions “Who are we?” and “What do we believe?” Its objective is to define the essential realities of existence and the related principles guiding right-action.
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The Mechanical Model is simple to conceptualize – but difficult to implement. The message of the model is
1) We must create something of value in the market,
2) We must create processes that allow for the efficient production of the “something,” and
3) We must periodically step back and assess how well everything is working. It is an exercise in “prescribed action.”
The Anthropic Profile is also simple to conceptualize – but difficult to define. The message of the profile is
1) We must determine the value of things and people,
2) We must ask answer the most basic questions of existence,
3) We must define what we worship and who makes the rules. It is exercise in “self-prescription.”
“In an age of rapidly increasing technology, particularly with the advance of Artificial Intelligence, if we do not hold on tightly to our humanity, as both individuals and institutions, we will pay an indescribably high price .” – Brian Nygaard