"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg E89: Economics as a Science w/ Noah Smith
Oct 26, 2024
In this discussion, economist Noah Smith, known for his insights on economic policy and authoring 'Noahpinion', dives into the shift from empirical studies to grand theories in economics. He critiques the evolving perception of the Economics Nobel Prize and its implications for the field. The conversation spans topics like the impact of AI on jobs, the historical lessons from North and South Korea’s differing economic journeys, and the often-overlooked importance of microeconomics over flashy macroeconomic theories.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Shifts in Economics Nobel Prize Perception
01:30 • 11min
Exploring National Success and Failure
12:51 • 3min
Economic Divergence: Institutions and AI
15:57 • 13min
Critique of AI Job Creation Assumptions
29:18 • 3min
Technology, Power, and Economic Consequences
31:59 • 9min
The Reality of Economics: Glamour vs. Substance
41:01 • 4min