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Looking at systems by considering whether they 'create value' in some generalized utilitarian sense is unproductive. Such systems survive by being able to extra
by fhars 13y ago
Looking at systems by considering whether they 'create value' in some generalized utilitarian sense is unproductive. Such systems survive by being able to extract energy somehow
A perfect description of many forms of organized crime.
- D-Coder 13y agoAlso a perfect description of life forms.
- washedup 13y agoTruth! Something that creates value for a certain form of business or life most likely does not create value for society or the ecosystem. It simply is another niche.
- saalweachter 13y agoYou don't even have to create value for your species, or lasting value for your genes. The classic example is -- if I recall correctly -- a mutation sometimes found in mice. The mutation causes a male to only produce male children. This mutation will spread through the population until there are only male mice, and one generation later the mice are all dead.
- crusso 13y agoI would draw a line between systems that rely upon voluntary interaction like stock markets vs systems that rely upon forced coercion like organized crime.
- twic 13y agoWhich side of that line do confidence tricksters, fraudsters, and counterfeiters lie?
- crusso 13y agoSame side as politicians?
- mcguire 13y agoMost forms of organized crime are purely voluntary. The "forced coercion" typically only comes into play if someone fails to hold up their end of a contract---criminal organizations cannot sue.