Distributed Trust: Bitcoin and Blockchain

This lecture delves into the concept of distributed trust, focusing on how trust is established with unknown parties over the internet, using Bitcoin and blockchain as examples. The instructor explains the technical aspects of Bitcoin as a digital currency and the underlying technology of blockchain. The lecture covers the challenges of traditional payment systems, the creation of digital cash, the role of miners in the Bitcoin network, and the concept of smart contracts. It also discusses the environmental impact, scalability issues, and the ethical considerations surrounding cryptocurrencies.