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> Using renewables to do something that doesn't need to be done is not a win. It is if it spurs development of the underlying tech. Pornography isn’t necessar
by Ancapistani 5y ago
> Using renewables to do something that doesn't need to be done is not a win.
It is if it spurs development of the underlying tech.
Pornography isn’t necessary, but because it was consumed in volume we ended up with ubiquitous household VCRs in the 80s and 90s.
- lottin 5y ago> It is if it spurs development of the underlying tech. How does that work? For example, if leave a lightbulb on all day long, does that spur adoption or development of renewable energy sources?
- X6S1x6Okd1st 5y agoAnd breaking windows spurs the local economy because people will pay to get them fixed.
- Ancapistani 5y agoYou’re confusing economic activity with technological progress. Breaking a window isn’t going to be a net positive. If everyone breaks a window and replaces it, every week, at some point it’s highly likely that a more efficient process for window replacement will be developed.
- X6S1x6Okd1st 5y agoI've never heard the rejoiner to the broken window fallacy that they just aren't breaking enough windows lol.
- Ancapistani 5y agoThat is the fallacy, lol. Again, though - we’re not talking about increasing the overall economic output. We’re talking about spending resources to incentivize technological progress. I’m also not saying it’s a good idea to start doing it because it’ll surely work. I’m only saying that it may well end up having positive effects outside of the primary use case.