55-01.222.313 Blockchain and the Metaverse (P)

Instructors: Dylan Johnson

Event type: Introductory seminar

Displayed in timetable as:

Hours per week: 2

Credits: 3,0

Language of instruction: English

Min. | Max. participants: 5 | 30

Allocation scheme: Phil_Standard_WS1415

Comments/contents:
In recent years, the terms “blockchain” and “the metaverse” have become buzzwords within the realms of technology, finance and popular culture more generally. But while they may often be spoken of (and meme’d about), the philosophical underpinnings of these technologies, as well as their implications for political and economic order, remain largely mysterious to the average person. This course seeks to shed light on what these technologies are, the philosophical motivations that led to their creation, and the opportunities and dangers that they present to society.

The course is divided into two distinct but related sections. We first focus on blockchain and then on the metaverse.

We begin with an introduction to the philosophical influences behind the creation of Bitcoin, currently the world’s most valuable cryptocurrency and the first instantiation of a blockchain network. Then, we touch upon how blockchain works and why it is capable of enabling significantly more complex forms of social interaction than mere currency exchange. The primary focus in this section is on analyzing the forms of collective decision-making and governance that blockchain may render feasible, such as liquid and polycentric democracy.

In the latter half of the course, we look at political, economic, and philosophical issues presented by the emergence of the metaverse. Namely, we ask ourselves whether virtual reality can meaningfully be considered “real” and who should own the entities that make up a virtual world.

By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of what blockchain and the metaverse are and why they are philosophically significant developments. Though it also incorporates information from computer science, economics and political science, no prior knowledge of these disciplines is required. 

The readings and instruction for this course will be in English. However, term papers may also be submitted in German, I will attempt to provide German translations for course readings wherever possible, and I will allow students to contribute to class discussion in German.