eric weinstein economist explores the intersection of tech and capitalism

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Eric Weinstein is an economist who has spent years exploring the intersection of technology and capitalism. He's a Harvard PhD and has worked with top economists and scientists.

Weinstein's work focuses on the economic implications of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. He's particularly interested in how these technologies will disrupt traditional economic systems.

Weinstein has written extensively on the topic of "Capitalist Realism", which refers to the idea that capitalism has become a default assumption in modern society. He argues that this assumption is problematic, as it ignores the potential risks and downsides of capitalist systems.

In a recent interview, Weinstein discussed the need for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between technology and capitalism. He emphasized the importance of considering the social and economic implications of emerging technologies.

Economic Ideas

Eric Weinstein's economic ideas are centered around the concept of "The Geometry of Energy." He argues that the economy can be understood through the lens of geometric shapes, with each shape representing a different economic paradigm.

Man holding phone, working on multiple laptops with financial charts at desk.
Credit: pexels.com, Man holding phone, working on multiple laptops with financial charts at desk.

This idea is rooted in Weinstein's observation that economic systems often follow predictable patterns, much like geometric shapes. He notes that the Industrial Revolution, for example, was marked by the emergence of a new geometric shape, the "triangle", which represented the manufacturing and trade of goods.

The triangle, according to Weinstein, gave way to the "circle" of the information economy, where goods and services are traded digitally. He believes that we are now entering a new era, represented by the "torus", or doughnut shape, which combines the physical and digital worlds.

Is Tech Killing Capitalism?

The idea that technology is killing capitalism is a thought-provoking question. Eric Weinstein and Marshall Auerback pose this very question in a video discussion, suggesting that market capitalism might be an accident of historical factors.

The innovation of economics could require a new economics of innovation, which is a concept that challenges traditional economic thinking. This idea is not new, but it's gaining traction in the field of economics.

Credit: youtube.com, Is Technology Killing Capitalism?

The study of economics is deeply affected by the incentive structures faced by economists themselves, which is a crucial aspect to consider. This is where the concept of the "economics of economics" comes in, suggesting that economists need to study their own field in a more nuanced way.

The discussion around technology and capitalism is complex and multifaceted, and it's clear that there's no easy answer. However, by examining the ways in which technology is changing the economic landscape, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Guests: Episodes

Eric Weinstein, a mathematician and economist, has been a guest on several episodes of podcasts and shows. He holds a PhD in mathematical physics from Harvard University and is a member of the Galileo Project research team.

Weinstein is also the managing director at Thiel Capital and has hosted his own podcast, "The Portal". You can find his episodes on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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Credit: pexels.com, Economic concept shown on illustration with statistic graph and charts around hundred dollars demonstrating growth of currency over time

Eric Weinstein's podcast, "The Portal", has gained a significant following, with over 6.9 million views on one of his episodes. He has also been a guest on the Joe Rogan Experience, a popular podcast that features conversations with experts and thought leaders.

Here are some of the episodes featuring Eric Weinstein:

  • July 1, 2024: Eric Weinstein holds a PhD in mathematical physics from Harvard University and is a member of the Galileo Project research team.
  • February 22, 2023: Eric Weinstein is a mathematician, economist, and managing director at Thiel Capital.
  • April 2, 2021: Eric Weinstein is a mathematician, economist, managing director at Thiel Capital, and host of "The Portal" podcast.
  • April 3, 2020: Eric Weinstein is a mathematician and economist, and he is also the managing director at Thiel Capital.
  • July 4, 2019: Eric Weinstein is a mathematician and economist, and he is also the managing director at Thiel Capital.
  • November 16, 2018: Eric Weinstein is a mathematician and economist, and he is also the managing director at Thiel Capital.
  • October 15, 2017: Eric Weinstein was a guest on the Joe Rogan Experience.
  • October 11, 2017: Eric Weinstein is a mathematician and economist, and he is also the managing director at Thiel Capital.

Lectures

Pia Malaney and Eric Weinstein have delivered a series of lectures on the topic of new economic thinking.

They presented at the University of Chicago Money and Banking Workshop, where Malaney discussed "Gauge Theory, Inflation and Geometric Marginalism: Are our Inflation, Productivity and Trade Indicators All Off Because The Marginal Revolution Was Based on the Wrong Version of The differential Calculus?" on November 10, 2021.

Malaney also spoke at the Fields Institute on November 2, 2013, about "Towards a Mathematics of New Economic Thinking for Reflexive Markets", and at the Institute for New Economic Thinking on October 30, 2013, on "What Math and Physics Can Do for New Economic Thinking".

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Weinstein presented at Stanford University on June 21, 2013, on "Systems Architecture, Kabuki Capitalism, and the Economic Manhattan Project".

Additionally, Malaney and Weinstein have spoken at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics on several occasions, including on January 5, 2009, on "A Science Less Dismal: Welcome to the Economic Manhattan Project", and on September 11, 2008, on "Sheldon Glashow Owes me a Dollar (and 17 years of interest)".

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eric Weinstein's theory?

Eric Weinstein's theory proposes that our four-dimensional spacetime is part of a 14-dimensional "observerse" where dark energy behaves like a variable fundamental force. This theory offers a new perspective on the fundamental nature of the universe, but its specifics and implications require further exploration.

What does Eric Weinstein do now?

Eric Weinstein is currently the Managing Director of Thiel Capital in San Francisco. He oversees the investment firm's activities and strategies.

What degrees does Eric Weinstein have?

Eric Weinstein holds a Ph.D. in mathematical physics from Harvard University and has a strong academic background.

Archie Strosin

Senior Writer

Archie Strosin is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a deep interest in financial institutions. His work often delves into the history and operations of Missouri-based banks, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the local economy. A particular focus of his research is on Dickinson Financial Corporation and Armed Forces Bank, tracing their origins and evolution over the decades.

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