Episode 175: Setun - the Lost Future of Non-Binary Computing and Profit's Price

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Recorded18 Mar 2025

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“Today’s episode examines the Soviet Setun computer, which utilised a balanced ternary system instead of the now-standard binary. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that capitalism’s focus on profit led to the abandonment of this potentially more efficient technology in favour of established binary systems. Dr. Hoerricks further explores how economic pressures and the prioritisation of commercial viability over scientific merit can stifle innovation and lead to lost opportunities, drawing parallels with the economic war against the Soviet Union and China’s more state-driven approach to technological development. Ultimately, they reflect on the alternate technological future that might have been possible had Setun’s paradigm not been discarded due to ‘market forces.’”Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-road-not-taken-setun-the-coldLet me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autside.substack.com/subscribe

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