Taylorism and the Human 'Engine'

This lecture delves into the historical development of the physical concept of work, exploring how the mechanics of the human body were rationalized in the context of industrial efficiency. It discusses the pioneering works of Coulomb, Coriolis, Navier, and Marey, highlighting their contributions to understanding human labor and motion. The lecture also examines the principles of Taylorism, focusing on standardization, efficiency, and the optimization of work processes. Through the lens of scientific management, it analyzes the efforts to increase productivity while minimizing fatigue in both factory and societal settings.