Tech Won't Save Us How to See Tech Like a Luddite w/ Jathan Sadowski
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Jan 16, 2025 
Jathan Sadowski, author of "The Mechanic and the Luddite" and senior lecturer at Monash University, dives deep into the intersection of technology and capitalism. He encourages listeners to critically evaluate technological impacts through a Luddite lens, advocating for a balance between understanding machine functionality and its socio-political implications. Sadowski critiques the glorification of AGI narratives and the ethical challenges of generative AI, while also discussing the consequences of automation in various sectors, urging for a more democratized tech landscape.
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Technological Capitalism Defined
- Technological capitalism distinguishes itself through the tech sector's dominance.
- It's a primary means of capital accumulation, circulation, and value extraction.
Idealism vs. Materialism
- Idealism views ideas as the primary drivers of societal change, while materialism emphasizes material conditions.
- Jathan Sadowski criticizes the tech industry's reliance on idealism, particularly in their "hype economy."
AGI as Idealism
- The current focus on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) exemplifies an idealist approach.
- This distracts from the real, material concerns surrounding AI systems and their societal impact.
