Cryptocurrency: The Rise of Bitcoin and the Future of Money

Topic:

In this seminar, we explore the origin story and current state of bitcoin, as well as the consequences of an anonymous, decentralized currency. We will also discuss the role of regulation of currency and speculate about the future of bitcoin.

Readings:

1. Ted Talk: The Future of Money: Link to Video

2. Wired: Bitcoin survival guide: Link to article

3. New Yorker article: Why Regulate Bitcoin?: Link to Reading

4. Graphic of Bitcoin's Value Over Time: Link to Reading

5. NPR Planet Money Podcast: Bitcoin Divided: Link

6. New Yorker article: Could the Silk Road Closure Be Good for Bitcoin?: Link to Reading

7. The Atlantic: BItcoin bubble of 2018: Link

8. Wired: Get rid of cash to get rid of crime: Link to article

9. Medium: Bitcoin, a bad vision for the future: Link to article

10. Optional - Original white paper by Bitcoin's anonymous creator: Link to Reading

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the role of trust in currency? Do you agree with this quote from bitcoin's creator? “What is needed is an electronic payment system based on cryptographic proof instead of trust, allowing any two willing parties to transact directly with each other without the need for a trusted third party.”

2. What should be the role of the government, if any, in regulating cryptocurrency? Bitcoin transcends the nation-state, so who should regulate it?

3. What's next? Are we “entering a new era of programmable money” as stated by Neha Narula in her Ted Talk?

4. With the advances in technology, is it possible to put this back in the box?

5. Would you invest in bitcoin and/or other virtual currencies despite their high volatility?