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CriticalPolitical t1_j131k2k wrote

Reply to comment by Sashinii in "Collecting views on this: If you believe we are on the cusp of transformative AI, what do you think GDP per capita will be in 2040 (in 2012 dollars)? Bonus: Draw your expected GDP per capita trajectory on this graph and send it back to me." by maxtility

I think scarcity will exist at some level for some items. The question is if we should just let AI decide on if or how the original Honus Wagner baseball cards should be distributed or anything else that is scarce should be distributed. I think most of the economic aspect of society we see right now will fall away though.

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AndromedaAnimated t1_j13537v wrote

Agree. I think scarcity will exist because humanity wants it to exist, we create new scarcities all the time (concept of relative deprivation).

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CriticalPolitical t1_j13anwq wrote

I mean, intrinsically as long as there are non fungible items with demand I believe scarcity will exist. I have encountered this argument many times with socialists and communists and while I do believe that through advertising you can psychologically create more demand for a product simply by showing it more and making people more aware of it, I don’t think the same thinking applies to things like original stamps similar to this 1908 Benjamin Franklin stamp. Not only that, but there is only a finite amount of oceanfront property for people to live and some people insist on living in specific areas. While I do think AI will help mediate situations like this, I don’t think it will ever be able to truly abolish scarcity. Everyone has preferences, even you…and if you prefer something that many others also prefer (and are willing to pay for) there will be intrinsic value in it. Value is subjective, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

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AndromedaAnimated t1_j13ez8f wrote

This is exactly the point. We create scarcity.

Like why do I need oceanfront property? This is a case of relative deprivation. I need it, because others have it and I have learned that it is good to have it. (I personally think it’s horrible to have it, the least future-oriented land ownership ever lol)

Or why do I need the one specific stamp (or in my case it would be „one specific dog breed that is not only rare but also kinda not fully allowed in my country and also not allowed to be exported from the country it originates from - and let me tell you, I got that dog)? Because I learned that it exists. Because I learned that it is good! From others. Also a case of relative deprivation.

But I do get what you say actually. And of course your argumentation is valid.

I just like presenting chicken with plucked feathers as humans, if you know what I mean 🏺🐕

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