My interaction with Artificial Intelligence is absolutely fascinating. It is a to and from between me and DeepSeek, aggreeing on suggestions, discarding others and finally have my own text.
And then DeepSeek tells me what I have to offer you today. Fasten seatbelts for here comes my EGO boost :-)
DEEPSEEK - This is a superb introductory text for a public lecture. Its strengths in engagement, clarity, and narrative far outweigh its minor stylistic hiccups.
It successfully makes a 400-year-old economic concept feel relevant and exciting, and it expertly sets the stage for a deeper dive into the topic.
The audience will leave with a clear, foundational understanding of what mercantilism was and why it mattered. - End DEEPSEEK
Then DeepSeek offers to edit and rewrite my text. However, the result is not what made me happy, so I editied DS's version and added my personal style again.
Then I got this as evaluation :-)
DEEPSEEK - This revised text is a model of how to introduce a complex historical economic concept to a general audience. It is engaging, accurate, and structured for maximum comprehension.
The author has successfully refined the text, turning very good raw material into an excellent and reliable lecture script.
The audience will be left with a clear, memorable, and well-contextualized understanding of mercantilism.
Final Rating: 9.5/10 - An exemplary introduction, nearly perfect for its purpose. - End DEEPSEEK
I find this intellectual interaction really fascinating, helpful, exciting and time saving.. So let's see what I have to tell you today.
QUOTE - "Although a Kingdom may be enriched by gifts received, or by purchase taken from some other Nations, yet these are things uncertain and of small consideration when they happen.
The ordinary means therefore to increase our wealth and treasure is by Foreign Trade, wherein we must ever observe this rule; to sell more to strangers yearly than we consume of theirs in value." - END QUOTE
This is a quote from Chapter 2: The Means to enrich this Kingdom, and to increase our Treasure of the book "England’s Treasure by Foreign Trade",
written by Thomas Mun (1571 -1641), a wealthy merchant and a director of the East India Company. It was one of the most sophisticated works affirming Mercantilist policy.
And there it is: mercantilism. A proof of real economic thought, a set of economic policies and practices that explains what ought to be done to run a national economy.
Mercantilism was the belief that national power and national wealth were built by controlling trade, protecting industry, and ensuring that more money flowed into the country than out.”
Mun's focus on national wealth through trade was a radical departure from the past. To understand why, we need to look at the world that was being left behind.
Around 1500 so much was happening in Europe. Just think of Columbus and the Spaniards discovering and plundering the Americas.
That was just the beginning. Then the balance of power shifted from Spain to England and eventually to the Dutch traders.
This period of about 200 years saw the decline of medieval institutions and habits of thought, which in turn unleashed rapid economic development and commercial expansion.
This decline, in turn, unleashed rapid economic development and commercial expansion, making a new class of merchants powerful,
brought about the transformation of institutions and habits of thought, which might have stood in the way of commercial expansion.
Thomas Mun was a key voice in this new era. His writings elaborated the principles that helped to clothe the rising capitalist system with conviction and respectability, defending it against the landed aristocracy and traditional churchmen.
The old unity of medieval thought was replaced by a great diversity of approaches, reflecting the rise of competing nation-states and a new secular spirit.
In our next lecture, we'll have a closer look at mercantilism as an economic theory.
Thank you for your attention again...
Main Sources:
MacMillan The Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2nd edition
of Economic Thought (2012)
TABLE OF CONTENT -----------------------------------------------------------------
1 - 100 Philosophers 9 May 2009 Start of
2 - 25+ Women Philosophers 10 May 2009 this blog
3 - 25 Adventures in Thinking 10 May 2009
4 - Modern Theories of Ethics 29 Oct 2009
5 - The Ideal State 24 Febr 2010 / 234
6 - The Mystery of the Brain 3 Sept 2010 / 266
7 - The Utopia of the Free Market 16 Febr 2012 / 383
8. - The Aftermath of Neo-liberalism 5 Sept 2012 / 413
9. - The Art Not to Be an Egoist 6 Nov 2012 / 426
10 - Non-Western Philosophy 29 May 2013 / 477
11 - Why Science is Right 2 Sept 2014 / 534
12 - A Philosopher looks at Atheism 1 Jan 2015 / 557
13 - EVIL, a philosophical investigation 17 Apr 2015 / 580
14 - Existentialism and Free Will 2 Sept 2015 / 586
15 - Spinoza 2 Sept 2016 / 615
16 - The Meaning of Life 13 Febr 2017 / 637
17 - In Search of my Self 6 Sept 2017 / 670
18 - The 20th Century Revisited 3 Apr 2018 / 706
19 - The Pessimist 11 Jan 2020 / 819
20 - The Optimist 9 Febr 2020 / 824
21 - Awakening from a Neoliberal Dream 8 Oct 2020 / 872
22 - A World Full of Patterns 1 Apr 2021 / 912
23 - The Concept of Freedom 8 Jan 2022 / 965
24 - Materialism 7 Sept 2022 / 1011
25 - Historical Materialism 5 Oct 2023 / 1088
26 - The Bonobo and the Atheist 9 Jan 2024 / 1102
27 - Artificial Intelligence 9 Feb 2024 / 1108
28 - Why Am I Here 6 Sept 2024 / 1139
The Discussion
[13:27] herman Bergson: One remark...
[13:27] herman Bergson: This mercantilist way of thinking is exactly what Trump is doing today....
[13:27] Max Chatnoir: Thanks so much, Herman!
[13:27] herman Bergson: And it doesn't work...like it didnt 400 years ago
[13:28] Max Chatnoir: And I think you've found the worm in the apple.
[13:28] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): everything is just buisness and human life have no value, more or less
[13:28] herman Bergson: and the other thing is....the world is then and now governed by the merchants, the corperations
[13:29] herman Bergson: the parrallles are really fascinating
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aah
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes
[13:30] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): so you know already what is going to happen in de near future
[13:30] herman Bergson: yes...Trump wil be removed from office :-0
[13:30] Max Chatnoir: If the ideal is for every country to outcompete every other country, then we are doomed to failure.
[13:31] herman Bergson: The onfluence of capitalism willl grow
[13:31] herman Bergson: Well..it is a bit of a silly idea... sell more than you buy and it will make you rich
[13:32] Max Chatnoir: We need balance somehow.
[13:32] herman Bergson: That is more or less the idea behind mercantilism...tarrifs
[13:32] herman Bergson: Yes, but economy is based on needs....
[13:33] herman Bergson: whether you sell or buy a lot...you need for instance some raw materials for you r industry
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): tariffs indeed, Trumps fav word
[13:33] herman Bergson: So you buy them....
[13:33] Max Chatnoir: but must those needs be ever-expanding?
[13:33] herman Bergson: otherwise your electric cars won't run e.g.
[13:34] herman Bergson: there they go again...:-))
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): everyone strive for infinite growth
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): wich is impossible
[13:34] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): needs are being created
[13:34] herman Bergson: to some extend, yes
[13:35] herman Bergson: like I get sick of advertizeements...
[13:35] herman Bergson: but yet in 100 ads there may be 0ne that is informative and interesting for me
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sure i want commercials now and then for what is out there but 99% of commercials now are for net casinos and such shit
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): gambling ect
[13:37] herman Bergson: But for today...you may see that the base for capitalism ...the broken link between ethics and economics is developing around 1600
[13:37] herman Bergson: And I still can't help it...but the driving power behind it is greed....gatghering wealth and more wealth
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): MORE MORE MOOOOORE!
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): exactly
[13:38] herman Bergson: In fact we are born as hamsters
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): never getting satisfied
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): well that might be true
[13:38] bergfrau Apfelbaum: mhm ... unfortunately
[13:38] Max Chatnoir: And the problem hasn't been solved in over 400 years.
[13:39] herman Bergson: Indeed Max....on the contrary actually
[13:39] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): will the problem ever been solved?
[13:39] herman Bergson: One restriction....
[13:39] Max Chatnoir: So I think that the mercantilism hypothesis has been adequately tested. Are there possible alternatives?
[13:40] herman Bergson: the social democracies in Europe have reached a decent level of sharing ....
[13:40] herman Bergson: Mercantilism now only exists in the US due to a retarded president....
[13:41] Max Chatnoir: Can that sharing be universal?
[13:41] herman Bergson: Global commerce shows us a completely differnet patern
[13:41] herman Bergson: Our world is ruled by the international banking system
[13:42] herman Bergson: Sharing universallly Max....we still have a long way to go
[13:42] Max Chatnoir: But is it theoretically possible?
[13:42] herman Bergson: Sure...
[13:42] herman Bergson: Just look at mankind..
[13:43] Max Chatnoir: What would it look like economically?
[13:43] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): problem is these rich banking directors CEOS ect will not give way, untill they die
[13:43] herman Bergson: We may behave stupid in many occasions but in a historical perpective...we show that we learn....
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): things need to change for sure
[13:44] Max Chatnoir: ...from history
[13:44] herman Bergson: and eventually they die, Bejiita...no worries :-)
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): we cant go in like this
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): to much inequality
[13:45] herman Bergson: Whatever you say...the human condition on this planet has improved step by step through the ages, whatever misery and wars may have come inbetween
[13:45] herman Bergson: all far from perfect....but we have human rights today
[13:46] herman Bergson: even if they are not respected by all regimes
[13:46] Max Chatnoir: What is the economic equivalent of entropy?
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): the rich ones think human rights are just in their way however, Like when Trump and Elon slaughtered USAID
[13:48] Max Chatnoir: Just thinking of what is needed for balance....
[13:48] herman Bergson: entropy...? lack of order or predictability; gradual decline into disorder.
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and also with ICE
[13:48] herman Bergson: What do you mean by that Max?
[13:49] Max Chatnoir: When you put energy into a system, not all of it can be used. Some of it always disappears.
[13:49] herman Bergson: And then?
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): i saw a quote recently from some scientist. he said "Humanity will mostl likley soon wipe themself out, the solution to avoid this is easy however - dont be an asshole"
[13:49] Max Chatnoir: So you have to put more in than you get out.
[13:50] herman Bergson: Wipe you ass, he meant, I guess Bejiita
[13:50] Max Chatnoir: Biophysically that starts with sunlight.
[13:50] Max Chatnoir: What would it be economically?
[13:51] herman Bergson: I really don'tknow, Max :-)
[13:51] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): more like, dont be greedy, dont blow each other up ect
[13:51] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and dont be an ego
[13:51] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): stuff like this
[13:52] herman Bergson: hmm Miss Nicole disappeared silently :-)
[13:52] herman Bergson: Maybe we should too then :-))
[13:53] herman Bergson: Next class will be on Mercantilism.
[13:53] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:53] herman Bergson: Ohhh...btw...
[13:53] herman Bergson: miost fascinating....
[13:53] bergfrau Apfelbaum: but not silently :-) ty Herman and class
[13:53] herman Bergson: LAst Thursday there was this Russian speaking lady...
[13:54] herman Bergson: and I asked her about the collapse of communism....
[13:54] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa yes
[13:54] herman Bergson: she evaded a real answer, so I asked DeeppSeek and ChatGPT the same question
[13:54] Max Chatnoir: ooh, can't wait!
[13:55] herman Bergson: the results were absolutely fascinating....and exciting...
[13:55] herman Bergson: unbelievable...
[13:55] herman Bergson: but great...
[13:55] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aa ok
[13:55] Max Chatnoir: You're not going to tell us this week, are you!
[13:55] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): lol Max
[13:55] Max Chatnoir: I mean, today.
[13:55] herman Bergson: so look forward to oncoming lectures ...for I'll discuss these results with you definitely
[13:56] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aah
[13:56] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): a clifhanger....
[13:56] bergfrau Apfelbaum: we can ask the AI ourselves. go on, say it now LOL
[13:56] herman Bergson: Max, we are plowing our way through history and have arrived at 1650....so you have to wait :-)
[13:56] Max Chatnoir: Herman, did you ever work in advertising?
[13:57] herman Bergson: NO, been an educator for 30 years
[13:57] herman Bergson: Which means that you have to sell your product to students day after day :-)
[13:58] Max Chatnoir: Too true!
[13:58] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:58] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa
[13:58] herman Bergson: I loved it...
[13:58] herman Bergson: and to b ehinest....my students too :-)
[13:58] herman Bergson: hinest
[13:59] herman Bergson: honest
[13:59] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:59] herman Bergson: and even you seem to do so :-)))
[13:59] Max Chatnoir: We do keep coming back...
[14:00] herman Bergson: That is what I mean :-)
[14:00] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): you use cliff hangers...
[14:00] bergfrau Apfelbaum: yay
[14:00] herman Bergson: :-)
[14:00] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[14:00] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed
[14:00] herman Bergson: Even DeepSeek seems to like my work :-))
[14:01] herman Bergson: And that i sjust a computer
[14:01] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): he's going to walk besides his shoes
[14:01] Max Chatnoir: and you keep coming back....
[14:01] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa
[14:01] herman Bergson: good point, Max :-))
[14:01] herman Bergson: True...I LOVE it
[14:02] herman Bergson: Just imagine....
[14:02] herman Bergson: Twic a week again an intellectual excercise...
[14:02] Max Chatnoir: John O
[14:02] herman Bergson: Keeps you healthy!
[14:02] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[14:03] Max Chatnoir: John O'Connor recently gave a nice presentation on AI. It was recorded.
[14:03] Max Chatnoir: https://www.youtube.com/live/KXKkfMQh1sg
[14:03] herman Bergson: Whoo is John O'Conner?
[14:04] Max Chatnoir: He's one of the VWEC educators.
[14:04] Max Chatnoir: Virtual Worlds Education Consortium.
[14:04] herman Bergson: Cool
[14:04] Max Chatnoir: You've talked to Elli, maybe?
[14:05] herman Bergson: Don't know an Elli....
[14:05] Max Chatnoir: and I always misspell his name. O'Connor
[14:06] Max Chatnoir: Oh, you've probably talked to Meryl
[14:07] Max Chatnoir: Elli sort of manages the VWEC sim.
[14:07] herman Bergson: I see..
[14:07] herman Bergson: Yes there was someone who aalsed me for some information about what I am doing here...
[14:08] herman Bergson: Meryl...yes...
[14:08] Max Chatnoir: https://www.vweconsortium.org/
[14:08] herman Bergson: Never heard of her anymore...so ..no idea what she did with th einfo I gave her
[14:08] Max Chatnoir: I think the next issue of Avatar Scholar will be coming out soon.
[14:08] herman Bergson: But I don't mind... :-)
[14:09] Max Chatnoir: Meryl is the creator and editor of the magazine.
[14:09] TLC Woodpecker - Clinging: Woodpecker Sound On
[14:09] herman Bergson: She didn't ask for pictures... :-((
[14:09] Max Chatnoir: Not even of you?
[14:09] herman Bergson: I'd love to be on the cover... :-)))
[14:10] TLC Woodpecker - Clinging: Woodpecker Sound Off
[14:11] herman Bergson: Well...after running the Philosopy Class for more than 15 years..... I should be famous...lol
[14:11] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[14:11] herman Bergson: Look at the girls.... all for me
[14:11] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): :))
[14:11] bergfrau Apfelbaum: yes!! lol
[14:11] Max Chatnoir: You do have a fan base. :-)
[14:12] bergfrau Apfelbaum: yay
[14:12] TLC Woodpecker - Clinging: Woodpecker Sound On
[14:12] herman Bergson: You tell me who has run educational project in SL for more thay 15 years without interruption....!
[14:12] herman Bergson: There yo have it...girls go crazy again :-)
[14:13] Max Chatnoir: You beat me. I taught my genetics class here for 14 years.
[14:13] herman Bergson: Pretty cool too, Max
[14:13] Max Chatnoir: And you are definitely a superior blogger! I was hopeless.
[14:14] herman Bergson: There always is hope...that keeps us alive
[14:15] Max Chatnoir: OK, I have to go move around a little!
[14:15] Max Chatnoir: See you all Thursday.
[14:15] bergfrau Apfelbaum: byebye Max :-) see you soon
[14:15] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): cu Max
[14:15] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): bye Max
[14:15] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[14:15] herman Bergson: happy moving,, Max :-))
[14:15] bergfrau Apfelbaum: and we are going to the Beertje cards?
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