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A new debate from the Intelligence Squared series. The debate this time looks at the promises — and the perils — of our technological revolution.

Steve Jobs famously said very smart people would be able to solve many of the world's problems through advances in technology. But who are the winners, and who are the losers? 


From privacy violations to flawed business models to a lack of diversity and representation, Silicon Valley may have betrayed its idealism. And though technological progress has notably enriched a few, Silicon Valley has failed to deliver its promise to all. Has the prioritization of profits and conformity of thought corrupted its original "do good" agenda?

 Noam Cohen, journalist and author of "The Know-It-Alls." 

"Facebook started as a kind of idealistic chance to link up students, maybe link up the world. Today it's synonymous with tracking people."

 Leslie Berlin, historian, Silicon Valley Archives and author of "Troublemakers." 

"Silicon Valley has the same messy mix of idealism, commercialism. optimism, opportunism, and dreams that has kept it going through ups and downs for the last 60 years. Silicon Valley has not lost its soul."

 Dipayan Ghosh, Pozen Fellow, Harvard University's Kennedy School. 

"They have placed profits over the concept of what is morally good and morally right."

 Joshua McKenty, vice president of Pivotal. 

"If being soulful means being right, righteous, and just, then none of us have souls because we all fall down, and we all make mistakes. So, I would posit that being soulful means grappling with these questions of good and evil. If the original sin is actually society's struggle, Silicon Valley is being asked to stand on the cross for those sins."

Check back soon for full audio from the debate.

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A new debate from the Intelligence Squared series: Silicon Valley has lost its soul.

Intelligence Squared debate: Silicon Valley has lost its soul

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