We Need a New Science of Progress
Patrick Collison & Tyler Cowen · 2019
"We should study the causes of scientific and economic progress as a rigorous discipline to accelerate it."
Patrick Collison and Tyler Cowen argue that 'Progress'—the economic, technological, and scientific advancement of humanity—should be studied as a dedicated academic discipline, because our current rate of progress is stalling.
Despite the internet, many metrics of physical and scientific progress (life expectancy, energy generation, transportation speeds) have plateaued or slowed since the 1970s. Collison and Cowen advocate for 'Progress Studies' to systematically understand what historical conditions, institutions, and incentives led to rapid bursts of innovation (like the Industrial Revolution or the Apollo program). By studying the mechanics of progress, we can intentionally engineer better funding mechanisms, dismantle bureaucratic friction, and accelerate human advancement.
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- Progress Studies — Cowen & Collison, 'We Need a New Science of Progress'Tyler Cowen / Marginal Revolution
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