Currencies as Cybernetic Objects: A Conversation

The historical development of cybernetics still holds sway over its imaginaries. While currencies significantly shape our lives, they have featured less so in cybernetic discourse. In this conversation, we explore several directions such discourse might take. As a working definition, consider a currency to be a formal symbol system that shapes behaviors through the signaling of values and preferences. Under this type of definition, money is merely the most emblematic of currencies. Others include: indicators, quotas, ratings, credentials, certifications, and votes. The conversation here draws upon a workshop we hosted with currency innovators Eric Harris-Braun, Siddharth Sthalekar, and Nicole Lazzaro at the 2021 conference of the International Society for the Systems Sciences (ISSS). We recorded this conversation on 17 September 2021, then edited it for brevity, clarity, and flow.