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.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of socio-technical knowledge for critically assessing technology's impacts on society and its design.
Listeners gain insights into technological capitalism, highlighting how technology shapes capital dynamics, power structures, and wealth accumulation.
The discussion advocates for a materialist perspective over idealism, encouraging deeper inquiries into technology's true societal impacts and functions.
Deep dives
Understanding Socio-Technical Knowledge
The podcast explores the concept of socio-technical knowledge, emphasizing its relevance in evaluating the impacts of technology on society. It highlights how this framework can help individuals critically assess the technologies they encounter daily, as well as question their design and purpose. By reflecting on the historical context of groups like the Luddites, the discussion illustrates the importance of understanding both the technical aspects and the social implications of innovations. This dual approach encourages listeners to engage with technology in a more informed and thoughtful manner, ultimately aiming for a deeper understanding of the systems that shape our lives.
The Distinction of Technological Capitalism
Technological capitalism is characterized by the overwhelming influence of the tech sector on economy and society, differing from traditional capitalism by emphasizing the role of new technologies. In this context, various technologies are not merely tools but pivotal elements that shape capital dynamics, power structures, and wealth accumulation. The podcast contends that a comprehensive understanding of capitalism requires investigating its relationship with technology, as this relationship influences social structures and individual lives. By examining the interplay between technology and capitalism, listeners gain insights into the economic motives that underpin technological development and deployment.
Idealism vs. Materialism in Technological Analysis
The conversation contrasts idealism and materialism as approaches to understanding technology's role in society. Idealism focuses on ideas and visions as the driving forces of societal change, while materialism emphasizes the material conditions that shape and are shaped by technology. The podcast suggests that many critiques of technology today are mired in idealist thinking, leading to superficial analyses that fail to uncover underlying material realities. By advocating for a materialist perspective, listeners are encouraged to ask deeper questions about the true impacts of technology and to challenge prevailing narratives in the tech industry.
Mechanics and Luddites: Two Perspectives
The podcast introduces the roles of the mechanic and the Luddite as metaphorical frameworks for analyzing technology. The mechanic embodies a detailed understanding of how machines operate and allows for an engagement with technology through maintenance and repair. Conversely, the Luddite represents a critical perspective concerned with the social implications and purposes of technology, especially regarding its effects on communities and labor. Together, these frameworks provide a comprehensive lens through which individuals can address the complexity of technology and advocate for equitable systems.
The Importance of Continuous Analysis and Action
Listeners are reminded that a static utopia is an unrealistic goal; instead, society must recognize its dynamic nature and the necessity for ongoing analysis and critical action against technological capitalism. The discussion emphasizes that achieving a better future involves not only understanding current technologies but also maintaining active engagement with their evolution. This perspective acknowledges that as systems change, so too must the approaches to governance and critique in society. By adopting a mentality of continuous questioning and improvement, individuals and communities can better navigate the challenges posed by technology.
Paris Marx is joined by Jathan Sadowski to discuss the relationship between technology and capitalism, and what lessons can be taken from the Luddites to properly assess and understand these systems.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham.