facebook pixel
New Ideal - Reason | Individualism | Capitalism

The Unstable Foundation of Marc Andreessen’s Techno-Optimism

In this episode of New Ideal Live, Ben Bayer and Don Watkins discuss Marc Andreessen’s recent defense of “techno-optimism“ in his essay “The Techno-Optimist Manifesto,” and explain why his manifesto lacks the moral foundation required to successfully defend technological progress.

Among the topics covered:

  • Andreessen’s commendable advocacy of technological progress;
  • The philosophical foundation of technological progress;
  • How Andreessen’s defense of technological progress rests upon altruism;
  • Why successfully advocating for technological progress requires defending self-interest;
  • How Andreessen’s view of competition undercuts his defense of capitalism.

Mentioned in this podcast and relevant to the discussion are Ayn Rand’s “America’s Persecuted Minority,” Yaron Brook and Don Watkin’s book, “Free Market Revolution,” the New Ideal Live episode with Tal Tsfany, Elan Journo, and Jason Crawford, “What Marc Andreessen Gets Right and What He Misses in His Article “It’s Time to Build,” and the New Ideal Live episode with Ben Bayer, Mike Mazza, and Chad Mills, “Threats to Regulate Artificial Intelligence”.

This podcast was recorded on November 2, 2023. Listen to the discussion below. Listen and subscribe from your mobile device on Apple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Watch archived podcasts here.

Podcast audio:

SUPPORT ARI

If you value the ideas presented here, please become an ARI Member today.

Do you have a comment or question?

Share this article:

Updates from New Ideal

Book Image  

Listen to New Ideal Live!

New Ideal Live is the podcast that explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism, which upholds the ideals of reason, individualism, and capitalism.

Subscribe here.

Ayn Rand University App

Explore unique philosophical content that challenges conventional views — in courses you can take on the go.

Available on Google Play and
the App Store.

Welcome to New Ideal!

If you like what you’re reading, be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter! You’ll also receive a FREE copy of our book, Illuminating Ayn Rand.