Tech Won't Save Us A New Economy Will Deliver Better Technology w/ Aaron Benanav
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Sep 11, 2025 Aaron Benanav, an Assistant Professor at Cornell University and author of Automation and the Future of Work, joins to discuss a transformative vision for a multi-criterial economy. He argues for prioritizing human experiences in technological development, moving beyond profit-based metrics. The conversation touches on innovative currency models, grassroots values in decision-making, and rethinking production methods to enhance societal well-being. Benanav emphasizes how history can inform new economic frameworks that champion collective engagement and sustainability.
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Efficiency Is The Default Constraint
- Capitalism centers efficiency and profit, shaping technology and work priorities.
- A multi-criterial economy would treat sustainability, job quality, democracy and efficiency as co-equal goals.
Beyond GDP Requires More Than Metrics
- GDP became dominant mid-20th century and tied into deeper logics that favor growth over other values.
- Attempts to 'go beyond GDP' often become technocratic and ignore democratic choice and trade-offs.
Secure People First To Enable Democracy
- Raise broad economic security so people can meaningfully participate in democratic decisions.
- Treat the necessary security threshold as a political choice to enable inclusive deliberation.
