Beverley Best and Aaron Benanav discuss AI, surplus population, and the labor theory of value. They explore Marx's critique of capitalism, the impact of automation on labor, and the historical fears of job loss. The conversation delves into the intersection of capitalism, technology, and social transformation, emphasizing the need for collective action to create a more equitable future.
Marx's labor theory of value reveals exploitation where workers produce more value than they receive.
Automation spurs debate on mass unemployment vs human liberation, reflecting technological changes.
Productivity advancements shape capitalist societies, emphasizing the need for competitive cost levels and transformative action.
Deep dives
The Role of Technology in Capitalism
Technology in capitalism serves not only as a potential for progress but also as an imperative for all to keep up with advancements. Marx observed the horrors of the Industrial Revolution, highlighting exploitation where workers produced far more value than they received in wages. The podcast delves into how value is derived from labor, known as the labor theory of value, a crucial concept in Marxism and economics.
Automation and the Future of Work
Aaron Benanav discusses the impact of automation on work in times of significant technological change. While some fear mass unemployment due to automation, others see the potential for human liberation. Marx's analysis of technology's role in driving productivity growth and constraints on workers illuminates the changing nature of work.
Understanding the Labor Theory of Value
The podcast explores Marx's labor theory of value, linking productivity to the historical levels of productivity reflected in the prices of goods. As productivity advances, technology shapes production methods, leading to constraints in capitalist societies that force adherence to competitive cost levels.
Challenges to the Notions of Determinism
The conversation challenges deterministic views by emphasizing human agency in shaping the future. While technological advancements influence society, the need for social efforts and transformative action is highlighted. The discussion critiques techno-utopian visions and underscores the necessity of social organization to effect meaningful change.
Unpacking the Concept of Fetishization
The concept of fetishization in Marx's work examines the mystifying function of value in society, where wealth's source from collective labor is obscured in forms like profit and interest. The automatic fetish addresses how interest on money creates a disconnect from the labor that truly generates wealth, highlighting the importance of unraveling these surface forms to reveal the underlying social dynamics and challenges.
Embracing Social Transformation
The podcast concludes by advocating for a collective effort to redefine societal norms by addressing agency and social dynamics rather than relying solely on technological change for transformation. It emphasizes the necessity to confront social challenges and consider the reorganization of society to move beyond capitalism towards a more equitable future.
This week on The Verso Podcast we’re taking a deep dive on the labour theory of value. From David Ricardo, to Adam Smith, to Karl Marx, it's a topic that economists have been fighting over for hundreds of years - and it's high time The Verso Podcast joined the fray. Our host, Eleanor Penny, sat down with Beverley Best and Aaron Benanav to discuss AI, surplus population, and the relationship between the concept of value and commodity fetishism.
Grab Aaron's book "Automation and the Future of Work" here: tinyurl.com/mr8tv48u
Pre-order Beverley's book "The Automatic Fetish: The Law of Value in Marx's Capital" here: tinyurl.com/4h47mh6v (release: 21/05/24)
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