Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy #1612 New Tech and the New Luddite Movement; Inequitable Distribution of Benefits from New Technology Always Sparks Demands from Labor and AI is Rekindling the Old Arguments (Throwback)
Jun 13, 2025
Join scientist and AI researcher Gary Marcus and technology expert Jathan Sadowski as they explore the contemporary relevance of Luddism. They discuss how the original Luddites opposed workers' exploitation rather than technology itself. The conversation dives into the implications of AI on job displacement and the necessity for better regulations. They also touch on the socioeconomic inequalities exacerbated by tech advancements and advocate for a reevaluation of how we distribute the benefits of innovation.
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Luddites Were Skilled Workers
- Luddites were skilled cloth workers who initially sought peaceful means to protect their jobs from machines.
- When ignored, they resorted to smashing machines that threatened their livelihoods, fighting for fair labor conditions.
Luddite Resistance to Exploitation
- Luddites opposed how technology was used, not technology itself.
- Today's artists and workers resist AI and gig platforms for similarly exploitative practices.
Question Technology’s Social Impact
- Question if technology benefits workers or capital.
- Discard tech that harms social welfare or equality.