The emergence of cryptographic currencies has opened questions regarding society’s most fundamental technology of exchange: money. Bitcoin and other cryptographic currencies have triggered waves of speculation, payment startups, and even criminal ventures such as drug trafficking and theft. Adding a critical perspective to these events, this afternoon symposium will situate cryptographic currencies within debates in media studies and the social sciences.

Finn Brunton, Department of Media, Culture, and Communication, NYU

Bill Maurer Dean, School of Social Sciences, Professor, Department of Anthropology, UC-Irvine