New Enlightenment

In this episode, we sit down with tech evangelist James Whittaker to discuss the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society. We explore the short-term impacts of AI, including the potential for AI to spread disinformation but equally the possibility for AI to debunk false information. In regards the long term, we discuss the potential loss of purpose and creativity in humans as AI takes over more tasks, a concern not dissimilar to those at the beginning of and through the First Industrial Revolution. The conversation explores the challenges of regulating AI, where geoeconomic considerations are in play. The EU’s push to regulate AI will not stop development elsewhere, namely in authoritarian states. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the ownership of personal data and the possibility of compensating use of data with equity (shares) from the firms that use it. Takeaways The development of AI requires three milestones: knowledge leaving the human mind, digitizing knowledge for machine readability, and access to massive storage and computing power. The short-term impacts of AI include the spread of disinformation, which can be combated by AI debunking false information. Humans may lose their sense of purpose and creativity as AI takes over more tasks. Now is the time to discuss how regulation may be necessary to address the ethical and societal implications of AI. AI is non-deterministic and learns like humans, making it capable of automating tasks beyond what software can do. The ownership of personal data should be recognised, and individuals should be compensated with equity for its use. The regulation of AI is challenging due to the lack of understanding among regulators and the influence of industry. The impact of AI on jobs and society requires a new approach and potential solutions like basic income. Adam Smith's Panmure House: https://panmurehouse.org/ Adam Dixon: https://twitter.com/DrAdam_Dixon James Whittaker: https://twitter.com/docjamesw https://www.linkedin.com/in/docjamesw/

In this episode, we welcome Gracelin Baskaran, Director of the Project on Critical Mineral Security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, to discuss the geopolitics and geo-economics of critical minerals. We discuss how China’s dominance in the sector can be addressed by building new relationships with countries in Africa and South America. But the benefits must not go in one direction. The opportunity in diversifying the critical mineral supply chain is more than addressing national and economic security considerations. There is a huge development opportunity. This requires building new relationships in producing countries, investing in their infrastructure, and processing capabilities. Western governments and western companies need to step up their engagement and build better relationships in the Global South. Takeaways: China is not the only producer of critical minerals; resource-rich countries in Africa and South America offer opportunities for the United States and other advanced economies to diversify their supply chains. Responsible mining practices are crucial to minimise environmental damage and ensure a more mutually beneficial model of mining for resource-rich countries. Critical minerals are essential for national economic and energy security, as they are used in defence applications, electronics, and energy technologies. The West, including liberal democracies, needs to address the security and economic implications of relying on China for critical minerals. Partnerships with countries that have capital to deploy, such as Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, can help secure critical mineral supply. Geology and political and economic stability are important considerations when choosing mining jurisdictions. Financing development is crucial for resource-rich African countries to ensure better education, health, and standard of living. Critical minerals offer significant potential for Africa's economic development, but avoiding the resource curse is a challenge. Adam Smith's Panmure House: https://panmurehouse.org/ Gracelin Baskaran: https://www.csis.org/people/gracelin-baskaran https://twitter.com/GraceBaskaran https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracelinbaskaran/

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Trembath, Deputy Director at the Breakthrough Institute, an eco-modernist think tank that offers an alternative to traditional environmentalism. We discuss the inadequacies of the modern environmental movement and how in many places it has become a barrier to decarbonisation. We discuss the eco-modernist alternative, which takes seriously the reality of modernity and the reality of carbon and of nitrogen-based biogeochemical processes to modern human thriving. Adam Smith's Panmure House: https://panmurehouse.org/ Alex Trembath: https://twitter.com/atrembath The Breakthrough Institute: https://thebreakthrough.org/

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Tucker, former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England and now research fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, to discuss his book 'Global Discord' and the role of cooperation in a fractured world order. We discuss the continued relevance of David Hume’s work in defining how constitutional democracies can maintain their liberal traditions while cooperating with rising authoritarian states. Tucker emphasises the importance of broadening perspectives and understanding different values in order to achieve cooperation. We also discuss the concept of the West and its significance in the current political landscape. The West should not be limited to a geographically constrained view. Rather, the West is defined by the practice of liberalism. Tucker concludes by highlighting the value of liberal critique and the capacity for learning from mistakes in maintaining order and cooperation. Sir Paul Tucker's website: https://paultucker.me/ Buy Sir Paul Tucker's Book: https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691232089/global-discord

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Moore, a biochemist and author of 'The Decarbonization Delusion.' For Moore, the decarbonisation agenda is misguided. But he is emphatic about the need to stop using fossil fuels. Moore is concerned about the limitations of battery technology in achieving sustainability, arguing instead that we need to consider e-fuels and other technologies that can be used in existing internal-combustion engines.  Takeaways  The decarbonisation agenda should focus on achieving net zero emissions but must consider the sustainability and environmental impact of alternative technologies.  Battery technology has limitations and requires careful consideration of its environmental impact and recycling challenges.  The sustainability footprint of battery electric vehicles needs to be evaluated in comparison to internal combustion engine vehicles.  China is not solely focused on electric vehicles and is investing in technology diversity, including methanol burning internal combustion engine vehicles. The European Union's policy on zero and low emission vehicles lacks technological diversity and may overlook the potential of e-fuels.  E-fuels, such as methanol, can be a viable alternative to electric vehicles, especially for long-distance trucking and buses. Buy Andrew's book: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-decarbonization-delusion-9780197664834?cc=gb&lang=en& Adam Smith's Panmure House: https://panmurehouse.org/

In this episode, we sit down with geographer and political economist Brett Christophers to discuss his new book The Price is Wrong, which explores the profitability challenges of renewable energy businesses and the economic obstacles to decarbonisation. We explore the role of subsidies, profitability, and market design in renewable energy investment. For Christophers, there are clear limitations of relying solely on free markets to address climate change.     Takeaways  The profitability challenges of renewable energy businesses pose economic obstacles to decarbonisation.   Subsidies play a crucial role in incentivising renewable energy investment; and removing them too soon can lead to a decline in investment.  Market design is essential in facilitating the transition to renewable energy, and simply relying on market forces may not be sufficient.  State intervention, either through compelling investment or state-owned companies, can be effective in driving renewable energy development.  Public sector ownership should operate differently from the private sector to achieve the desired outcomes in renewable energy.  Adam Smith's Panmure House: ⁠⁠https://panmurehouse.org/⁠ Buy Brett's book: https://www.versobooks.com/products/3069-the-price-is-wrong

Branko Milanovic, a leading scholar on inequality and professor at the CUNY Graduate Center, dives into the complexities of income distribution influenced by historical figures like Adam Smith and Karl Marx. He reflects on his academic path starting in socialist Yugoslavia and the ideological hurdles in discussing inequality. The conversation explores the potential effects of AI on labor markets and emphasizes the need for capital redistribution. Milanovic also critiques the global elite's rise and discusses the intricate dynamics of globalization and national identity.