General Intellect Unit

In which we read the responses to Moore's work, with returning guest Bob Neubauer. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Academic Papers by Jason Moore In Defense of Metabolic Rift Theory, by Andreas Malm In Defense of Ecological Marxism, by John Bellamy Foster The Capitalocene, by McKenzie Wark General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Networkm

In which we continue or discussion of "Soviet planning and the labor-time calculation model: implications for 21st-century socialism" by Seongjin Jeong. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Soviet planning and the labor-time calculation model: implications for 21st-century socialism (PDF) General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we are joined by Emancipation Network superstar Tom O'Brien to discuss "Soviet planning and the labor-time calculation model: implications for 21st-century socialism" by Seongjin Jeong. Part two will air next week. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Soviet planning and the labor-time calculation model: implications for 21st-century socialism (PDF) General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we pick up part two of our discussion of Jason Moore's "The Capitalocene", with returning guest Bob Neubauer. In the third episode we will re-convene with Bob to discuss some of the responses to Moore's work, and to situate these episodes in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Academic Papers by Jason Moore General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we are joined by returning guest Bob Neubauer, to discuss "The Capitalocene Part I: on the nature and origins of our ecological crisis" by Jason Moore. In part two, we will discuss the second essay. In the third episode we will re-convene with Bob to discuss some of the responses to Moore's work, and to situate these episodes in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Academic Papers by Jason Moore General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we chat with Tom O'Brien (host of From Alpha To Omega) about the Coronavirus pandemic, and what it all means for the future of society. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: From Alpha To Omega General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we talk to Callum Cant about his new book, "Riding for Deliveroo: Resistance in the New Economy". "What is life like for workers in the gig economy? Is it a paradise of flexibility and individual freedom? Or is it a world of exploitation and conflict? Callum Cant took a job with one of the most prominent platforms, Deliveroo, to find out. His vivid account of the reality is grim. Workers are being tyrannised by algorithms and exploited for the profit of the few – but they are not taking it lying down. Cant reveals a transnational network of encrypted chats and informal groups which have given birth to a wave of strikes and protests. Far from being atomised individuals helpless in the face of massive tech companies, workers are tearing up the rulebook and taking back control. New developments in the workplace are combining to produce an explosive subterranean class struggle – where the stakes are high, and the risks are higher. Riding for Deliveroo is the first portrait of a new generation of working class militants. Its mixture of compelling first-hand testimony and engaging analysis is essential for anyone wishing to understand class struggle in platform capitalism." If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Riding for Deliveroo, on Polity Books Callum Cant on Twitter General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we continue our discussion of "Organizing for Power: Stealing Fire from the Gods", by Amelia Davenport. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Organizing for Power, at Cosmonaut General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we read "Organizing for Power: Stealing Fire from the Gods", by Amelia Davenport. Part two will air in two weeks. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Organizing for Power, at Cosmonaut General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we interview the worker-owners of Loomio, a decision-making software cooperative. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Loomio Cooperative Handbook Loomio Facilitators Guide Loomio Blog Creating the Workplace of the Future General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we read "A Study of Organizational Closure and Autopoiesis", by Harish Jose. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: A Study of Organizational Closure and Autopoiesis, at https://harishsnotebook.wordpress.com General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we finish our discussion of Eliza, a game by Zachtronics. "After abandoning her high-powered tech career and a mysterious three-year absence, Evelyn Ishino-Aubrey resurfaces working as a proxy for a virtual counseling app called Eliza. Her job consists solely of reading a script provided to her in real-time by an AI, leaving her no autonomy over what she says. Is Eliza a technological marvel that brings therapy to those who otherwise couldn’t access it? Or is it an ineffective replacement and another vector for technology companies to gain control over our lives and humanity?" If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Eliza, on itch.io General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we play Eliza, a game by Zachtronics. "After abandoning her high-powered tech career and a mysterious three-year absence, Evelyn Ishino-Aubrey resurfaces working as a proxy for a virtual counseling app called Eliza. Her job consists solely of reading a script provided to her in real-time by an AI, leaving her no autonomy over what she says. Is Eliza a technological marvel that brings therapy to those who otherwise couldn’t access it? Or is it an ineffective replacement and another vector for technology companies to gain control over our lives and humanity?" If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Eliza, on itch.io General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which conclude our reading of "Digital Socialism?" by Evgeny Morozov. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Digital Socialism?, at New Left Review General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we read "Digital Socialism?" by Evgeny Morozov. Part 2 will air in a few weeks. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Digital Socialism?, at New Left Review General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we are joined by our friend Matt, to discuss two articles by François Chollet, "The Implausibility of Intelligence Explosion", and "What Worries Me About AI". If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: The Implausibility of Intelligence Explosion What Worries Me About AI General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Part two of our collaboration episode with Swampside Chats, in which we (re)read Stafford Beers "Designing Freedom". If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Swampside Chats on Soundcloud General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

A collaboration episode with Swampside Chats, in which we (re)read Stafford Beers "Designing Freedom", and zoom off on all kinds of tangents along the way. Part two will air next week. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Swampside Chats on Soundcloud General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

In which we read "The Necessity of Extended Autopoiesis" by Nathaniel Virgo. (Our reading of) this text treks through cybernetics, gaia theory, deleuzian metaphysics and biology, converging on an understanding of the relation between bodies and processes. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: The Necessity of Extended Autopoiesis, by Nathaniel Virgo General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we discuss the Viable System Model, by Stafford Beer. We read "The VSM Guide" by Jon Walker, and "The Viable System Model as a Framework for Understanding Organizations" by Raul Espejo and Antonia Gill. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: A diagram of the VSM (on wikipedia) The Viable System Model as a Framework for Understanding Organizations The VSM Guide General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we continue reading "The People's Republic of Walmart" by Leigh Phillips and Michal Rozworski. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: The People's Republic of Walmart at Verso Books General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we read "The People's Republic of Walmart" by Leigh Phillips and Michal Rozworski. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: The People's Republic of Walmart at Verso Books General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

We're launching a community discord server for our patrons! Support us on Patreon at the $5 per month level or above to get access! Links: General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we are joined by Tina Sikka to discuss her new book "Climate Technology, Gender, and Justice: The Standpoint of the Vulnerable". If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Climate Technology, Gender, and Justice: The Standpoint of the Vulnerable Tina Sikka on Twitter General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we are joined by Bob Neubauer to discuss Nick Srnicek's 2016 book "Platform Capitalism" If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Platform Capitalism on politybooks.com General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we talk about our first thirty-something episodes, and take time to tie some threads together. No, this isn't a clip-show. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

We are joining forces with our friends at Swampside Chats, and From Alpha To Omega, to form the Emancipation Network, a Marxist podcast network and research collective. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: emancipation.network General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we (struggle to) read a math paper, The Inherent Instability of Disordered Systems, by Taeer Bar-Yam, Owen Lynch, and Yaneer Bar-Yam. This paper introduces us to the Multi-scale Law of Requisite Variety, and the importance of organisation at multiple scales. The paper also furnishes a proof that disordered systems will inevitably become ordered by forces in their environment. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: The Inherent Instability of Disordered Systems, on arxiv.org General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

Hey there folks! We're giving away two copies of People's Republic of Walmart, by Leigh Phillips and Michal Rozworski. All of our patrons will automatically be included in the draw, while non-patrons can enter their email address in this form to add themselves to the draw. Winners will be selected at random on the 31st of March, and will be contacted via Patreon message or email to arrange delivery. To keep this fair, if we don't hear back from an entrant within two weeks, we'll draw another winner for that book. Why are we doing this? Well, Shane accidentally placed three separate pre-orders for this book over the course of two years, so there's two spare copies floating around. Check out this post on our Patreon page for more details: https://www.patreon.com/posts/25294050

In which we discuss Stafford Beer's 1974 book "Designing Freedom". Beer makes the case for a total overhaul of our institutions and organisational methods, by way of management cybernetics. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Designing Freedom on the Internet Archive (free full ebook) Stafford beer on Wikipedia The Viable System Model on metaphorum.org General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we talk to Wendy Liu and Jason Prado about tech, worker organising, and open source. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Wendy Liu on Twitter Jason Prado on Twitter Notes From Below General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we are joined by Fraser Simons to discuss The Player of Games, by Iain M. Banks. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: The Player of Games, on Wikipedia Fraser Simons, on Twitter General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we continue our discussion of the Xenofeminist Manifesto, with Kira Magrann. The next book we read will be Designing Freedom, by Stafford Beer. If you want to read along with us before the episode airs, you can get the book free from the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/DesigningFreedom If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Xenofeminism: A Politics for Alienation, on laboriacuboniks.net Kira Magrann on Twitter General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we are joined by Kira Magrann to discuss the Xenofeminist Manifesto. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Xenofeminism: A Politics for Alienation, on laboriacuboniks.net Kira Magrann on Twitter General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we discuss Shane's experience at the Metaphorum Conference 2018. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Metaphorum website Stafford Beer on Wikipedia Niklas Luhmann on Wikipedia General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org (Hacked) Syntegration badge:

In which we interview Andrew Pickering, author of The Cybernetic Brain. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Borderless Exhibit Artists & Robots Exhibit The Cybernetic Brain at University of Chicago Press General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we conclude our reading of Transforming Technology. This chapter ties up the theory of the Technical Code, explores Formal and Substantive Bias, and opens up opportunity for radical change of technological society. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Andrew Feenberg on Wikipedia General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

An extra episode, for our one-year anniversary, in which we talk about scheduling issues and plans for the year ahead. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

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. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Andrew Feenberg on Wikipedia General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

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." If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Andrew Feenberg on Wikipedia General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

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.) If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Accelerationism: how a fringe philosophy predicted the future we live in Terminator vs. Avatar: Notes on Accelerationism #Accelerate, Manifesto for an Accelerationist Politics General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we discuss the politics of Open Source software, starting from Gavin Mueller's article "Microsoft and the Yeoman Coders". If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: "Microsoft and the Yeoman Coders" at Jacobin General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

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". If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: The Cybernetic Brain at University of Chicago Press Stafford Beer on Wikipedia General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

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 General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

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 Fraser Simons on Twitter General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we talk with Tina Sikka about Geoengineering, and an Intersectional analysis of the potential negative effects of the same. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Tina Sikka on Twitter General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we read from the latest issue of Notes From Below, titled "Technology And The Worker". If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Technology And The Worker, on notesfrombelow.org General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

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." If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Markets In The Name Of Socialism, at Stanford University Press General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org

In which we look at two papers, the Labour Party's "Alternative Models of Ownership", and "How To Change The Course Of Human History" by David Graeber and David Wengrow. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Alternative Models of Ownership (PDF) How To Change The Course Of Human History General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Support the show on Patreon

In which we discuss the third and final part of Adam Curtis' documentary film series "All Watched Over By Machines Of Loving Grace". This episode explores the development of Selfish Gene theory, the spiraling conflicts in Central Africa, and how we came to believe that we were machines ourselves, with no power to change the world for the better. Links: General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Support the show on Patreon