Epistemic Rents

“Epistemic rents” would be the premium—economic or social—that accrues to people who control access to knowledge or cognitive capacity. Coders earn epistemic rents on execution. Teachers earn epistemic rents on acquisition.

I teach introductory computing. I’ve always wanted everyone to learn to code. I want to see what they create, what they solve, what they change. That’s why I’m so excited about AI coding agents. They’re a step toward a future where anyone can realize their dreams in software.

But to get there, we have to reckon with the present. Coding is hard. The few who can are richly rewarded. Through high salaries. Through social capital. Through control over our lives. Mark Zuckerberg is rich, and famous, and he gets to define friendship online—in a way that negatively affects everyone.

I teach. I’ve always wanted everyone to learn. I want to see what they notice, what they wonder, what they become. That’s why I’m so excited about AI. It’s a step toward a future where anyone can learn anything.

But to get there, we have to reckon with the present. Knowledge is protected. The few who control it are rewarded⁽¹⁾. Through jobs. Through social capital. Through control over our future. I have a job, and respect, and I get to shape the future through my courses.

I want to teach computing in a way that positively affects everyone. I don’t know exactly how to do that right now. Things are changing quickly. My identity as a coder is challenged—AI is already better. My identity as an educator is challenged—AI will be better. It’s an ontological crisis.

But I know my place is not with those who don’t want everyone to code, or everyone to know. I’m with those who want to create and to learn. Even if they don’t need me to teach them to code, and I don’t have a job. Even if they don’t need me to teach them at all.