Computer modeling of complex systems has gotten us in a whole world of trouble in recent years. Filmmaker Adam Curtis has directed a superb series, about this issue, for the BBC called “All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace”. The second episode “The Use and Abuse of Vegetational Concepts” will be of particular interest to readers of this blog. It details the errors that occur when we try to model natural systems. I can’t reccomend this program highy enough. Set aside an hour today to watch this program before the BBC copyright police take it down.
Episode 2 “The Use and Abuse of Vegetational Concepts”:
Here’s the first episode “Love and Power” about what happens when computer algorithms and, shall we say, overly confident philosophers gain control over our economic life.
Episode 1: “Love and Power”:
All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace from science2art on Vimeo.
Thanks for the post! I have always thought Ayn Rand was creepy and her ideas even creepier. I’m all about freedom and individualism, but at what cost? Am I willing to hurt other people or use up every last resource to please The Great Me? No. And frankly, I don’t think I would want to spend any time with someone who did. Besides, the true pursuit of happiness involves helping others to be happy, as well.
New Adam Curtis!? Thanks for the tip!