General Intellect Unit

In which we read chapter two of Transforming Technology.

This chapter covers the transition to a Socialist society, the role of technology and labour process in that transition, and offers a theory of why previous attempts have largely failed.

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Links:

• Andrew Feenberg on Wikipedia

In which we begin a three-part series on Andrew Feenberg's 2002 book: "Transforming Technology".

This book "rethinks the relationships between technology, rationality, and democracy, arguing that the degradation of labor--as well as of many environmental, educational, and political systems--is rooted in the social values that preside over technological development."

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Links:

• Andrew Feenberg on Wikipedia

In which we talk about Accelerationism, it's bizarre history, and it's recent Left-wing manifestations.

We read from three articles: "Accelerationism: how a fringe philosophy predicted the future we live in" by Andy Beckett, "Terminator vs. Avatar: Notes on Accelerationism" by Mark Fisher, and "#Accelerate, Manifesto for an Accelerationist Politics" by Alex Williams and Nick Srnicek.

(PS: We will never miss an opportunity to dunk on Nick Land.)

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Links:

• Accelerationism: how a fringe philosophy predicted the future we live in

In which we discuss the politics of Open Source software, starting from Gavin Mueller's article "Microsoft and the Yeoman Coders".

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Links:

• "Microsoft and the Yeoman Coders" at Jacobin

In which we conclude our two-part discussion of The Cybernetic Brain, by Andrew Pickering. This episode covers the chapter on Stafford Beer, and the final chapter, "Sketches of Another Future".

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Links:

• The Cybernetic Brain at University of Chicago Press

In which we begin a two-part discussion of The Cybernetic Brain, by Andrew Pickering. This episode covers the opening two chapters, "The Adaptive Brain" and "Ontological Theatre".

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Links:

• The Cybernetic Brain at University of Chicago Press

In which we begin a two-part discussion of The Cybernetic Brain, by Andrew Pickering. This episode covers the opening two chapters, "The Adaptive Brain" and "Ontological Theatre".

If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon.

Links:

• The Cybernetic Brain at University of Chicago Press

In which we talk with Fraser Simons about Ursula K. Le Guin's 1974 novel, The Dispossessed.

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Links:

• The Dispossessed on Wikipedia

In which we talk with Fraser Simons about Ursula K. Le Guin's 1974 novel, The Dispossessed.

If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon.

Links:

• The Dispossessed on Wikipedia

In which we talk with Tina Sikka about Geoengineering, and an Intersectional analysis of the potential negative effects of the same.

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Links:

• Tina Sikka on Twitter