General Intellect Unit

Latest Episodes:

023 - Transforming Technology, Part 2 Oct 31, 2018

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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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022 - Transforming Technology, Part 1 Oct 17, 2018

Show notes

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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021 - Accelerate Sep 26, 2018

Show notes

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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020 - Yeoman Coders Aug 24, 2018

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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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019 - The Cybernetic Brain, Part 2: Stafford Beer Jul 25, 2018

Show notes

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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018 - The Cybernetic Brain, Part 1: Ontological Theatre Jul 04, 2018

Show notes

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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017 - The Dispossessed, with Fraser Simons Jun 13, 2018

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

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016 - An Intersectional Analysis Of Geoengineering, with Tina Sikka May 30, 2018

Show notes

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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015 - Technology And The Worker May 16, 2018

Show notes

In which we read from the latest issue of Notes From Below, titled "Technology And The Worker".

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014 - Markets In The Name Of Socialism May 02, 2018

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In which we read "Markets In The Name Of Socialism, The Left-Wing Origins Of Neoliberalism", by Johanna Bockman.

This book "reveals a dialogue among many economists on both sides of the Iron Curtain about democracy, socialism, and markets. These discussions led to the transformations of 1989 and, unintentionally, the rise of neoliberalism."

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