Predictions for the Year 1708

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In Gulliver's Travels, you mentioned the notion of a machine that on its own writes and prints out books and other texts. Did you imagine that such a machine might ever be possible? I intended it as a satirical commentary on the overly speculative and impractical nature of some scientific pursuits during my time. That being said, the development of computers and artificial intelligence has led the machines capable of generating text autonomously in ways I could not have predicted.

In this conversation, Tyler uses ChatGPT to interview Jonathan Swift about his views on religion, politics, economics, and literature. GPT Swift discusses his support for the Church of Ireland, his shift from the Whigs to the Tories, and his opposition to William Wood's copper coinage in Ireland. He also talks about his works, including Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal, and his skepticism of moral and intellectual progress. Swift addresses rumors about his relationship with Esther Johnson and his fascination with scatological themes in his works. He also discusses his early life in England, his intellectual mentor Sir William Temple, and his jovial attitude towards death.

Special thanks to our Mercatus Center colleague Robin Currie for giving voice to Jonathan GPT Swift.

Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links.

Recorded March 23rd, 2023

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