Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg What causes progress? And how can we stop it from slowing? (with Jason Crawford)
Nov 3, 2021
Jason Crawford, founder of The Roots of Progress, dives deep into the philosophy of progress and its impact on human well-being. He examines how the Industrial Revolution sparked a wave of advancements and why large-scale progress has slowed in recent decades. The conversation tackles the misconceptions surrounding nuclear energy, emphasizing its potential in combating climate change. Additionally, Crawford addresses the challenges posed by bureaucracy on scientific innovation, urging for a renewed belief in progress as essential for future development.
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The Stagnation Hypothesis
- The stagnation hypothesis proposes a relative slowdown in groundbreaking technological advancements in the last 50 years.
- Comparing 1870-1920 to 1970-2020 reveals a significant difference in the number of major breakthroughs.
Hypotheses for Progress Slowdown
- Three hypotheses explain progress slowdown: increased regulation and bureaucracy, centralized research funding, and a weakening progress culture.
- These hypotheses offer potential explanations for the observed stagnation.
Regulation as a Barrier to Progress
- The growth of regulation, particularly in industries like nuclear power and pharmaceuticals, may be hindering progress.
- This regulation, often driven by safety concerns, can create overhead and stifle innovation.
