Technological utopianism and socialism

[Mike666]

Do you think that a technological transformation of society in the future will likely lead to a post-capitalist (socialist/communist) world? How do you think this would work? Robotics, 'the technological singularity', genetic engineering and Transhumanism could play a part.

I see capitalism as a primitive phase in human development that a more technologically advanced humanity will abandon.

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

Do you think that a technological transformation of society in the future will likely lead to a post-capitalist (socialist/communist) society?

It's complicated.

One hand, the implementation of technology has a transformative effect on society - it was the steam engine that provided the muscle for the Industrial Revolution and laid the basis for modern capitalism.

But on the other hand, capitalism has shown itself to be very adaptive when it needs to be, not just taking radical technologies in it's stride but turning them into multi-billion dollar industries.

On balance I would say that either capitalism has the technological inventiveness to literally render itself obsolete, or it doesn't, in which case socio-economic pressures will threaten it's existance. Our task as revolutionaries, as I see it, is to promote technological development and work for radical social change.


How do you think this could happen? Robotics, 'the technological singularity', genetic engineering and Transhumanism could play a part.

1) Automation already plays a very large part in modern industrial production. Capitalism appears to have adapted to this development by vastly increasing the size of the service sector.

2) The Singularity, if it happens, will mean the end of any recognisable human society, let alone capitalism. If we as a civilisation make the right choices before it happens, I think it's something that should happen.

3) Genetic engineering is more challenging to the idea that the human species is special simply because it's human, rather than because of sapience. I think capitalism could easily accommodate genetic engineering, but you never know.

4) Transhumanism is a very multi-faceted ideology, and depending on what facet becomes influential and/or wins out, it could be very good or very bad from a revolutionary leftist point of view. Obviously I am a member of one of the revolutionary facets.


I see capitalism as a primitive phase in human development that a more technologically advanced humanity will abandon.

I'd like to think so, but only the passing of history will truly tell

[S.O.I]

theory?

[FreeFocus]

Nothing guarantees that technology will be used for good. Technology depends on the society that creates it - its values, its knowledge, etc.

[Mike666]

But on the other hand, capitalism has shown itself to be very adaptive when it needs to be, not just taking radical technologies in it's stride but turning them into multi-billion dollar industries.

Maybe, but maybe that doesn't have to happen? Are there any significant examples of this not happening?


Our task as revolutionaries, as I see it, is to promote technological development and work for radical social change.

I agree



Transhumanism is a very multi-faceted ideology, and depending on what facet becomes influential and/or wins out, it could be very good or very bad from a revolutionary leftist point of view. Obviously I am a member of one of the revolutionary facets.


How do you think it could be bad?

[piet11111]

How do you think it could be bad?

if only the super rich get to benefit from it.


i don't think its very likely that any such advanced medical technology's would remain exclusive to the rich for very long because there are just too damn many sick and dying people to not cause public outrage.

[ckaihatsu]

What are the major benefits for the average person from contemporary society / commerce / government?

Energy? Steel? Plastics?

If capitalism winds up making itself irrelevant for these major industrial goods, by making available the means for commonly and easily producing these major industrial goods, then we *would* have a non-revolutionary transition into socialism.

It might even have the potential to turn society back to pre-industrial social conditions that would be compatible with more of a libertarian ideal -- a piece of self-sufficient turf for everyone.

I prefer and agitate for the collectivist, socialist struggle myself, especially since mass industrial production is still the highest state of technology that human civilization has reached (and so its control is still the most profound political issue there is).

But industrial production and bourgeois politics could vanish overnight if we had technology that does for energy and steel (etc.) what the Internet has done for information transfer...!


Chris





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