ABSTRACT
Ergonomics (ergon nomos) or the study of work, as originally proposed by W. Jastrzebowski (1857), defines a discipline with very broad scope, i.e. the wide subject of interests and applications, encompassing all aspects of human activity, including labor, entertainment, reasoning, and dedication. Jastrzebowski divides work into two main categories: the useful work, which brings improvement for the common good, and the harmful work that brings deterioration (discreditable work). Useful work, which aims to improve things and people, is classified into physical, aesthetic, rational, and moral work. According to Jastrzebowski, such work requires utilization of the motor forces, sensory forces, forces of reason (thinking and reasoning), and the spiritual force. The four main benefits of the useful work are exemplified through the property, ability, perfection, and felicity.
