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algorithms

Now the robots may no longer be called Frankenstein or R2D2, but Siri, Alexa, AlphaGo or Yaskawa Motoman

GROWTH: Through "creative destruction" and technological disruption, capitalism created the conditions for a new cycle of economic growth. But now the trend seems to continue towards zero. Is it a vicious circle of global competition, falling prices, overcapacity, technological inertia (rather than innovation) and falling incentives to invest – which is the cause of capitalism's protracted crisis?
Dominique Routhier -

What about surveillance in the digital culture revolution?

Big tech: The planet of apps is probably one of the richest things you can now read about how we humans "sew together" with communication technology. But what about surveillance?
Truls Lie -

To look at the present as the past of the future

ACCELERATION: We have interviewed the thinker Armen Avanessian about "accelerationism" and the possibility of a new political thinking.
Anders Dunk -

A liberal left?

Accelerationism: Several thinkers believe that it is possible for what they call a rather complacent left to carve out a better and freer future through capitalism and technology.
Truls Lie -

"You are my creator, but I am your lord – obey!"

FRANKENSTEIN: About killing drones, artificial intelligence and Frankenstein. It has become easier to fight – and more dangerous. If, or when, the machines themselves take over, humanity may suddenly be on the wrong side of the table.
Kjetil Korslund -

"Personality Disruptive Marketing"

DOPAMINE capitalism: Is "freedom" all valued so highly, in fact, illusory? Today, more and more information is gathered about our bodies, emotions, habits and brains.
William H. Davidow -

Cheating and deception on Instagram

FALSE FOLLOWERS: Everyone is fooling everyone on Instagram. Phenomena such as false followers and false comments are an essential part of an ever-growing black economy. No one knows what is real.
Iril Kolle -

An increasingly nihilistic world

TECHNOLOGY: The world is becoming increasingly nihilistic as it becomes increasingly clear that humanity is unable to take care of it. The challenge Bernard Stiegler takes on is to show the way to an alternative anthropology – in practice as well as in theory.
Anders Dunk -

Artificial intelligence or human whims?

The mathematician Hannah Fry has explored the shortcomings and possibilities of artificial intelligence. A fruitful division of labor between machine and human is possible – and necessary, she believes.
Anders Dunk -

The algorithms are everywhere

If current trends in business and consumer culture continue, we may soon have much in common with China's meritocratic and communitarian traditions, writes Mark MacCarthy.
markmac@nytid.no -

Matt Destruction Weapons

In her disturbing account of upcoming data modeling, computer scientist Cathy O'Neil shows how the numbers themselves widen the gap between those who have and those who don't.
anrikevisser@gmail.com -

Rich full-format MODERN TIMES including the supplement Orientering and Modern Times Review comes out quarterly in early March, June, September and December) with international book reviews (non-fiction) and comments / essays. According to the physical newspaper (and PDF), the articles are published regularly online (see the newsletters).

© MODERN TIMES & Orientering AS. PO Box 3113 Elisenberg, 0207 Oslo. Chief editor: Truls Lie

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