Economic Growth as a Moral Issue: From Malthus to AI

In his analysis, Daniel Susskind challenges the contemporary perception of economic growth as a natural state of affairs. The author recalls the long centuries of Malthusian stagnation, contrasting it with the rapid acceleration of the industrial era. The text deconstructs the concept of GDP, revealing it as a historical construct that has become a contemporary political fetish. Drawing on the theories of Paul Romer and Joel Mokyr, the article highlights the crucial role of non-rivalry in generating progress. In the face of impending climate catastrophe, Susskind advocates a shift from pure material expansion to consciously guided, knowledge-based development. This calls for a redefinition of political economy and the recognition of growth as a moral issue, requiring new priorities in the age of artificial intelligence.