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Start for freeThe Evolution of Social Machines and Their Control Over Desire
The concept of social machines, as discussed in various philosophical texts, presents a fascinating lens through which we can view the evolution of societies. These machines are not literal but metaphorical, representing the systems and structures that govern human behavior and societal organization. They emerge from human desires but also act upon these desires to maintain social order.
Primitive Societies and the Coding of Desire
In primitive societies, social machines operated through a coding system that regulated desires by embedding them within strict cultural norms and rituals. These societies utilized kinship systems and ritual exchanges to manage desires that could potentially disrupt social harmony. For example, marriage alliances were not just familial bonds but also a means to control sexual desires and prevent incestuous relationships. This form of desire management was crucial for maintaining the structure of primitive communities.
The Despotic Machine in Barbarian Societies
As societies evolved, the despotic machine replaced the primitive coding system with a more centralized form of control. In these barbarian states, a singular ruler or despot held the power to dictate the flow of desires within society. This shift marked a significant transformation from the multiplicity of alliances in primitive systems to the unity imposed by despotic rule. The despot's control over desires was absolute, often indulging in excesses that highlighted his separation from ordinary societal norms.
Capitalism and the Decoding of Desire
The advent of capitalism introduced a radical shift in how societies handle desire. Unlike its predecessors, capitalism does not seek to code or overcode desire but rather decodes it. This decoding process liberates desire from traditional constraints, allowing it to flow freely within the market system. Capitalism harnesses this free-flowing desire to drive economic activity, prioritizing exchange value over intrinsic qualities or moral considerations.
Market Dynamics Under Capitalism
In capitalist societies, everything is evaluated based on its potential for exchange in the market. This includes not only goods and services but also human labor. Workers are viewed not as individuals with unique qualities but as commodities whose value is determined by their productivity and economic utility. This commodification is a direct result of capitalism's inherent need to quantify and capitalize on all forms of desire.
The Ongoing Influence of Older Social Machines
Despite the dominance of capitalist mechanisms, older forms of social machines do not vanish entirely; they adapt and continue to influence modern society. For instance, elements of coding still exist within laws and regulations that define roles such as worker or merchant within capitalism's framework.
State's Role in Modern Capitalist Societies
The state plays an integral role in supporting capitalist markets by regulating them and absorbing excesses produced by market dynamics such as unemployment or surplus labor through mechanisms like military enlistment or bureaucratic expansion.
The interplay between different types of social machines—primitive coding systems, despotic control mechanisms, and capitalist decoding processes—illustrates how historical forms evolve yet persistently shape contemporary societal structures.
The understanding gained from examining these transformations provides valuable insights not only about our past but also about potential future shifts in societal organization.
Article created from: https://youtu.be/fzSBknjW2Mo?si=U6zu1MSMg9oJV792
