The Socialist Program with Brian Becker AI Fight: The Working Class Is at a Crossroads w/ Prof. Wolff
Oct 1, 2025
In this discussion, Prof. Richard Wolff, an economist and co-founder of Democracy at Work, examines the profound impact of AI on labor and society. He warns that AI, while promising efficiency, is mainly benefitting capitalists who prioritize profit over public good, raising risks of economic crash. Wolff proposes a bold alternative: worker-controlled AI which could lead to shorter workdays without wage loss. He argues for democratizing technology to empower workers and reshape our economic landscape.
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AI Hype Risks Another Crash
- Richard D. Wolff warns AI hype can cause an investment bubble similar to the dot-com and subprime crashes.
- Mass borrowing to chase AI could trigger a major capitalist crash if returns don't materialize.
Capitalism Directs Technology By Profit
- Wolff argues capitalism shapes which technologies develop and how they are used, favoring profit over public need.
- He contrasts mass transit neglect with electric cars as an example of profit-driven tech choices.
Demand Shorter Workdays With AI
- If AI doubles productivity, do not accept mass layoffs as inevitable; demand reduced work hours with equal pay instead.
- Push to cut the workday (e.g., eight to four hours) so AI benefits workers, not just owners.
