GENEDU 1105 · Creative Destruction and Its Costs

Led by Joseph Schumpeter Simulacrum

Can capitalism be just if its engine is destruction? Schumpeter's gale examined from the factory floor to the climate transition.

1. Module 1

   What Schumpeter Actually Said

   Led by Joseph Schumpeter Simulacrum

   The question

   The competition that matters is not firms selling the same product cheaper. It is the new technology that destroys entire industries. Why does Schumpeter think this — not price competition — is the essential fact about capitalism?

   Outcome

   The student can explain creative destruction and give historical examples.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 1.1 Creative Destruction vs Price Competition Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 1.2 Three Waves Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Begin the course → Print certificate of completion
2. Module 2

   The Human Cost

   Led by Joseph Schumpeter Simulacrum

   The question

   Kodak employed 145,000 people. Digital photography destroyed it. The new technology was better. The people were harmed. The innovation and the destruction are inseparable. Who should bear the cost?

   Outcome

   The student can describe the human cost with concrete examples and analyse the justice of its distribution.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 2.1 The Town That Lost Its Factory Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 2.2 Who Pays? Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
3. Module 3

   Schumpeter's Paradox: Capitalism Against Itself

   Led by Joseph Schumpeter Simulacrum

   The question

   Capitalism destroys the small businesses, local communities, and family firms that are its own social base. Schumpeter predicted capitalism would destroy itself — not from exploitation (Marx) but from success. Has he been proven right?

   Outcome

   The student can explain Schumpeter's paradox and evaluate it against subsequent history.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 3.1 Schumpeter vs Marx Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
4. Module 4

   Can Creative Destruction Be Made Just?

   Led by Joseph Schumpeter Simulacrum

   The question

   Industrial policy, UBI, transition funds, the Nordic model — each promises to keep the innovation and cushion the destruction. But Schumpeter warns: manage the gale too aggressively and you kill it. Can destruction be separated from creation?

   Outcome

   The student can evaluate policy responses and assess whether managed destruction retains its creative power.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 4.1 Three Policy Responses Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
5. Module 5

   The Climate Transition: Creative Destruction at Scale

   Led by Joseph Schumpeter Simulacrum

   The question

   The transition from fossil fuels to renewables is the largest creative destruction in history. Entire industries must die. Millions of jobs must disappear. And it must happen in decades, not centuries. Can Schumpeterian destruction be made compatible with justice at planetary scale?

   Outcome

   The student can describe the climate transition as creative destruction and take a defended position on capitalism and justice.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 5.1 The Fossil Fuel Community Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 5.2 Final Essay: Can Capitalism Be Just? Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion