Matthew Claudel

Writing for PS since 2014
5 commentaries
0 videos & podcasts

Life in the Uber City

Aug 10, 2014

Actually, we do not believe that CERN was involved in creating the Internet. You are probably referring to the World Wide Web (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wide_Web) – which is a system for accessing content on the Internet. The World Wide Web is indeed credited to our MIT colleague Tim Berners-Lee and a paper he wrote while he was a researcher at CERN.

Regarding the bypassing of regulation: law has evolved over thousands of years to reflect constantly changing conditions in society. If the impact of a given technological development on society is positive – for example, if a cab driver working through the Uber platform can provide a better service at lower cost for the customer and earning a higher net wage for himself – why should this not be adopted? If an increase of information and transparency through real time urban platforms makes better markets, empowers users, and ultimately, improves urban life, shouldn’t the government and and its regulations respond accordingly?

Regarding Public Space in the city versus online: is not public space in the city similar to that of the internet? Both are (and should be) subject to regulations, but allow for open activity and usage by individuals.

The Coronavirus Is a Disease of Chinese Autocracy

Minxin Pei

When China’s leaders finally declare victory against the outbreak of the new and deadly coronavirus, they will undoubtedly credit the Communist Party of China's leadership. But the truth is just the opposite: the party is again responsible for this calamity.

Explaining the Triumph of Trump’s Economic Recklessness

Jean Pisani-Ferry

The Trump administration’s economic policy is a strange cocktail: one part populist trade protectionism and industrial interventionism; one part classic Republican tax cuts skewed to the rich and industry-friendly deregulation; and one part Keynesian fiscal and monetary stimulus. But it's the Keynesian part that delivers the kick.

Life in the Uber City
Aug 10, 2014

Actually, we do not believe that CERN was involved in creating the Internet. You are probably referring to the World Wide Web (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wide_Web) – which is a system for accessing content on the Internet. The World Wide Web is indeed credited to our MIT colleague Tim Berners-Lee and a paper he wrote while he was a researcher at CERN.

Regarding the bypassing of regulation: law has evolved over thousands of years to reflect constantly changing conditions in society. If the impact of a given technological development on society is positive – for example, if a cab driver working through the Uber platform can provide a better service at lower cost for the customer and earning a higher net wage for himself – why should this not be adopted? If an increase of information and transparency through real time urban platforms makes better markets, empowers users, and ultimately, improves urban life, shouldn’t the government and and its regulations respond accordingly?

Regarding Public Space in the city versus online: is not public space in the city similar to that of the internet? Both are (and should be) subject to regulations, but allow for open activity and usage by individuals.