accelerationism is back and tech elites are making it cringier than it already was (e/acc)
Feb 18, 2024
auto_awesome
Adam Jones delves into accelerationist theory, e/acc, and techno-optimism. They discuss the origins of accelerationism, critique techno-elites, and explore the intersection of power dynamics in a cyberpunk reality. The conversation covers Nick Land's influence, the need to break current systems, and the implications of accelerating intelligence towards a techno-capital singularity.
Effective accelerationism is a mutation of earlier trends driven by tech elites, promoting unregulated technology.
Techno-optimism overlooks power dynamics and societal consequences, presenting capitalism as the sole solution.
Critiques of techno-optimism and effective accelerationism highlight their focus on growth over social and ecological concerns.
Deep dives
Accelerationism as a theory of time and politics
Accelerationism is a political and metaphysical theory that aims to speed up change in order to achieve a certain end. It originated in the UK in the 90s and was influenced by postmodern French theory. One branch of accelerationism is focused on intensifying positive feedback loops to break through obstacles and advance technology. Another branch sees capitalism as a cybernetic system and aims to break through its control of time. The main idea is to accelerate social and technological progress to ultimately create a new way of experiencing time and reality.
The connection between techno-optimism and accelerationism
Techno-optimism and effective accelerationism both advocate for embracing technology without limitations. Techno-optimism, exemplified by figures like Mark Andreessen and Sam Bankman-Fried, promotes the notion that technological progress will solve societal problems and leads to infinite growth. This perspective often downplays concerns about AI and seeks to accelerate the development of technologies like AGI. However, this vision lacks a critical analysis of the socio-political implications and the role of power in shaping technology.
The similarities and contrasts with Mark Fisher's capitalist realism
Both techno-optimism and effective accelerationism align with what Mark Fisher described as capitalist realism—the belief that capitalism is the only viable system and there is no alternative. However, techno-optimism goes even further, presenting capitalism as both the driver and the solution to societal challenges. This is a significant deepening of capitalist realism and a radical neoliberal perspective. Effective accelerationism can be seen as an extreme form of capitalist realism, advocating for unregulated technology and a rejection of alternatives like socialism or collectivism.
Critiques of techno-optimism and effective accelerationism
Techno-optimism and effective accelerationism have faced critiques for their narrow focus on productivity and growth, their limited analysis of power dynamics, and their disregard for the social and ecological consequences of unchecked technological development. These viewpoints tend to ignore the inequalities and systemic issues that are perpetuated by capitalist systems. Additionally, their emphasis on individualism and market-driven solutions often ignores collective needs and social responsibility.
The importance of questioning assumptions and seeking critical perspectives on technology
As individuals interested in innovative technologies, it is crucial to critically examine the ideas put forth by techno-optimism and effective accelerationism. It is important to look beyond the surface-level rhetoric and consider the historical and social implications of technology. Pushing back against dominant narratives and engaging with diverse perspectives can help to counter the uncritical techno-utopianism that often accompanies these viewpoints.
If you've been surfing the tech sphere lately, you may have come across the term e/acc or effective accelerationism as if it was something new. But like most of these tech elite driven ideologies, it's largely a mutation of more naive and sometimes sinister trends.
For this episode I spoke to Adam Jones, host of Acid Horizon and Zer0 Books and Repeater Media and author of Anti-Oculus. Anti-Oculus is a psychedelic trip through the eyes of power, exploring avenues of escaping systems of control in our cyberpunk reality.
During the interview, Adam helps explain the core of accelerationist theory, where it comes from, and what e/acc is. We also dive into the Techno-Optimist Manifesto from Marc Andreessen ,why it's a giant circle jerk and Nick Land would hate them.
If you want to learn more about accelerationism and particularly left accelerationism , check out my interview with Nick Srnicek who wrote the left accelerationist manifesto.
If you liked the podcast be sure to give it a review on your preferred podcast platform. If you find content like this important consider donating to my Patreon starting at just $3 per month. It takes quite a lot of my time and resources so any amount helps. Follow me on Twitter (@TBSocialist) or Mastodon (@theblockchainsocialist@social.coop) and join the r/CryptoLeftists subreddit and Discord to join the discussion.
ICYMI I've written a book about, no surprise, blockchains through a left political framework! The title is Blockchain Radicals: How Capitalism Ruined Crypto and How to Fix Itand is being published through Repeater Books, the publishing house started by Mark Fisher who’s work influenced me a lot in my thinking.
The book is officially published and you use this linktree to find where you can purchase the book based on your region / country.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode