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Stephen Hawking confirms: The problem is Capitalism, not robots

failedevolution.blogspot.com

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Re: Stephen Hawking confirms: The problem is Capitalism, not robots

#4
post #2

With all due respect to Stephen Hawking, whose expertise in theoretical physics is undoubted, how would he be in a position to "confirm" this?

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GeniusCripple

The inspiration for many of these entries: Stephen Hawking, perhaps one of the most famous scientists in the world today, who as the result of Motor Neurone Disease (also known as ALS and Lou Gehrig's Disease) is quadriplegic and uses a wheelchair, and who, since a 1985 tracheotomy, has used a computer voice synthesizer to speak. Somehow, though, he was able to have an extramarital affair, so apparently not everything is paralyzed.

Re: Stephen Hawking confirms: The problem is Capitalism, not robots

#5
Without capitalist advancement, prices would rise at a frightening rate.

Decide what you want - fully stocked supermarket shelves thanks to capitalist efficiency. Or rationing, shortages and civil unrest thanks to government intervention in the markets and the dissolution of business.

Re: Stephen Hawking confirms: The problem is Capitalism, not robots

#7
post #2

With all due respect to Stephen Hawking, whose expertise in theoretical physics is undoubted, how would he be in a position to "confirm" this?

Extrapolate from current trends and the general apathy of the people who could change them.

Is there anything you are aware of that would prevent it, other than "it might not happen, for some reason"?

Re: Stephen Hawking confirms: The problem is Capitalism, not robots

#9
This analysis is correct. Programs achieve the objective of the programmer. Currently, the goal is to maximize profits. Imagine a supply chain with profit-optimizing drones and self-driving cars. The "3 rules" can be followed while human involvement in wage-earning activities is drastically reduced.

Re: Stephen Hawking confirms: The problem is Capitalism, not robots

#10
post #5

Without capitalist advancement, prices would rise at a frightening rate. Decide what you want - fully stocked supermarket shelves thanks to capitalist efficiency. Or rationing, shortages and civil unrest thanks to government intervention in the markets and the dissolution of business.

Considering how deeply this community has internalized the importance of creative thought your analysis is pretty limiting to any new possibility being possible.
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