Modern Wisdom #657 - Erik Angner - An Economist’s Guide To A Happy Life
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Jul 22, 2023 Erik Angner, a philosophy professor at King's College London, merges economics and philosophy to explore happiness. He outlines the four pillars of a fulfilling life and critiques societal pressures affecting well-being. Angner questions radical solutions to aging populations, emphasizing the value of elders in society. He discusses the balance between aspirations and happiness, warning against perfectionism. The episode delves into the complexities of inequality's impact on happiness, revealing it as a nuanced interplay of personal and societal factors.
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Economics' Image Problem
- Economics is associated with uncool topics like data and models, making it seem unattractive.
- It's a shame because economics is actually pretty cool and relevant to human well-being.
The Scope of Economics
- Consider the broad scope of economics, encompassing human well-being and choices.
- Recognize trade-offs, costs, and benefits in decisions.
Aging Populations and Uneconomic Solutions
- Mass suicide is an uneconomic solution to aging populations, neglecting trade-offs.
- Economists can analyze costs and benefits of different approaches, but societal values determine the best path.
