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Socialist Progressives

white_wolf

(6,257 posts) Sun Jul 15, 2012, 01:41 PM Jul 2012

Economic Planning and Computers. [View all]

Central planning is one of the things that people criticize the most about socialism. I'm sure we've all heard the claims that it is inefficient. Ignoring the fact that this claim is actually rather debatable, I thought it might be interesting to discuss the role of modern computers in a planned economy. After all, when the Soviets tried it they were relying on humans to figure all out without any help. However, modern computing power is beyond anything anyone could of have thought of even in the 80s. Do you all think modern computers would make central planning easier? Has anyone read anything on this topic?

20 replies

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Economic Planning and Computers. [View all] white_wolf Jul 2012 OP

I was kind of hoping we would go the other way.... physioex Jul 2012 #1

good idea for produce and energy production. limpyhobbler Jul 2012 #4

Computer networks make planning easier for large operations. limpyhobbler Jul 2012 #2

I don't think this will ever work.... physioex Jul 2012 #3

Check what I wrote in reply #4. limpyhobbler Jul 2012 #5

How would you envision individual workers controlling a centrally planned system? joshcryer Jul 2012 #18

Not individuals alone, but organized & working through democratic governments,labor unions,co-ops. limpyhobbler Jul 2012 #19

I don't see why not........ socialist_n_TN Jul 2012 #6

You are right about worker control; that is key! dfgrbac Jul 2012 #7

I've never read anything on this topic. Starry Messenger Jul 2012 #8

As per your edit: white_wolf Jul 2012 #9

It's just an itch I had to scratch. :) Starry Messenger Jul 2012 #10

isnt neoliberalism super-enthusiastic about decentralization? BOG PERSON Jul 2012 #11

It is, since it desires privatization. Starry Messenger Jul 2012 #12

My take. PETRUS Jul 2012 #13

He's a dick. Starry Messenger Jul 2012 #14

I'll accept that. PETRUS Jul 2012 #15

Not to go too off topic here, but nursing informatics has changed way nursing is done... joshcryer Jul 2012 #17

Project Cybersyn joshcryer Jul 2012 #16

I have not read on this issue but I doubt that there is a household anywhere that does not employ it jwirr Aug 2012 #20