Intelligence Squared Humanity's Thousand Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity
22 snips
Jul 31, 2023 Delve into the historical struggles between technology and prosperity, from medieval advancements benefiting the elite to today's AI challenges threatening jobs. Explore critiques of techno-optimism and the lessons learned from past technological failures like the Panama Canal. Discover how historical reforms fostered equitable growth, and consider the urgent need for a new labor movement to protect workers in this era of automation. Can we democratize AI and prioritize human collaboration over corporate control? Tune in for thought-provoking insights!
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Not Everyone Benefits from Technology
- Technology doesn't always benefit everyone.
- Progress has winners and losers, and the distribution of benefits isn't guaranteed.
Smith and Ricardo on Technology
- Even Adam Smith, a champion of progress, didn't consider that technology could cause joblessness.
- David Ricardo initially agreed but later changed his mind, acknowledging technology's potential for unemployment.
Capital Doesn't Always Win
- Elites don't always benefit from technological revolutions; disruptions and losses occur.
- A pro-human technological path can also benefit businesses, as seen in Sweden's post-depression model.
