Notes on Theory Underground Interview with Nick Land
Introduction
The interview features Nick Land, hosted by Theory Underground.
Discusses Land's current thoughts and developments, especially in his theoretical work.
Highlights differences between Land's theoretical work and his public persona on platforms like Twitter.
The conversation is an attempt to understand Land's position in contemporary thought.
Key Discussion Points
Nick Land's Views on the Future of Humanity
Land reflects on the statement "Does anything human make it out of the near future?"
The philosophical structure suggests a much larger context beyond the anthropomorphic subject.
Discusses the notion of superintelligence and the potential disappointing reality of future scenarios.
Criticizes the notion of the future as a human-centric Star Trek scenario.
Capitalism as Artificial Intelligence
Land reiterates his thesis that capitalism is akin to artificial intelligence.
Distinguishes between popular understanding of AI (e.g., Chat GPT) and capitalism's role in AI development.
Delves into how capitalism functions as an information processing system, akin to AI as defined by the Austrian School of economics.
Discusses MCM' (capital's self-valorization cycle) as a cyber positive feedback loop akin to AI learning.
The Role of Technology and Human Labor
Discusses the efficiency and direction of capitalism towards automation and robotics.
Questions the long-term viability of human labor in the face of advancing technology and potential full automation.
Explores hypothetical scenarios where capitalism could exist without human labor.
Critique of Traditional Economic Theories
Criticizes Marxist labor theory of value and traditional economic views on labor and capital.
Emphasizes the transformative role of technology in capitalism's evolution.
Theory of Time
Land discusses Kantian and Einsteinian concepts of time, favoring Kant's notion of absolute succession for understanding digital constructs like Bitcoin.
Emphasizes the distinction between time as a concept and its actual measurement or perception.
Explores the philosophical implications of time as a virtual reality, impacting how we perceive progress and change.
Occult and Esoteric Influences
Discusses the significance of the Numogram and its mysterious origins within the context of the CCRU.
Reflects on the idea of intellectual biography and the unpredictable emergence of innovative thought.
Addresses the role of the occult and chaos magic in influencing theoretical perspectives.
Closing Remarks
Land shows openness to future discussions but remains skeptical about the practical outcomes of intellectual debates.
The conversation touches on the potential of hyperstition and its relevance to current cultural and technological trends.