Legendary scientist and cryptography pioneer Ralph Merkle joined us to discuss his recent paper on DAOs. Merkle examined how the voting mechanisms in today's democracies are flawed and how a decentralized, transparent DAO making decisions using prediction markets could create more efficient democratic systems. Topics covered included:Merkle proofs, Merkle Roots and his early forays into cryptographyBlockchains as living organismsWhy DAOs will be subject to a Darwinian evolutionary processWhy voting is flawed and we need new governance methods to save democracyThe concept of a DAO democracyHow prediction markets and futarchy would help govern a DAO democracy Links mentioned in this episode: Ralph Merkle DAO Democracy Paper [PDF]Ralph Merkle's HomepageRalph Merkle's Wikipedia pageEB98 - Robin Hanson: Futarchy, Prediction MarketsTim Urban: Why Cryonics Makes SenseAlcor - Life Extension Foundation Sponsors: Hide.me: Protect your privacy and personal data with a free VPN account at Hide.me/epicenterLedger Nano: Smart card security for your Bitcoins - Get 10% off your first order when you use the code EPICENTER at ledgerwallet.com Show notes YouTube SoundCloud Epicenter Bitcoin is hosted by Brian Fabian Crain, S?ƒbastien Couture & Meher Roy.Visit our websiteSubscribe to our newsletterTwitter