Peter Boettke, distinguished professor of economics at George Mason University, delivered a thought-provoking talk at the annual Deeds Symposium—leaving a strong impression on students and faculty alike. The Deeds Symposium was established at UHart in 1982 to provide a forum for discussion of free-market principles. Program speakers are internationally known participants in the continuing discussion of free enterprise and government.
A self-described AI optimist, Boettke challenged common fears about artificial intelligence replacing human jobs. Instead, he argued that AI will augment human skills, helping people work more efficiently and creatively. While the future of technology is unknowable, he emphasized that it is far from unimaginable—and that history shows us innovation consistently creates new opportunities.
He compared today’s concerns to past anxieties over computers replacing workers, noting how jobs like telephone operators disappeared—and were replaced by entirely new ones. Boettke urged the attendees to consider how many jobs today—such as social media influencers or app developers—would have been unimaginable just 25 years ago.
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