Post #3062497
2026-05-18 00:56 UTC
@strange_new_words@tenforward.social @gwcoffey@mastodon.social Computers are reductionist like the alphabetization and mathematization of reality that makes them possible. Centralization of decision-making based on extraction and aggregation of local data is a form of reductionism that precedes computing — it's a feature of states and empires dating back 5000 years. It has more to do with the structure of communication networks, literacy, and bureaucracy since ancient times. Yes, the point is control over nature, people, time.
Replies (1)
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@dan_kn@mastodon.social 2026-05-18 01:04
@strange_new_words@tenforward.social Anything humans have will be used to gain power over others and maximally extract value. It's a very crude, conflict-intensive affair, but there's no real alternative beyond checks/balances/limits. Creating a moral philosophy, religion, or equivalent technology to criticize/restrain others is just another way to play the same game. Cooperative, decentralized communication and organization are not neutral or inherently good or bad either; the scope for their abuse may be less.