EconTalk

Michael Munger on Desires, Morality, and Self-Interest

Mar 1, 2021
Michael Munger, an economist and political theorist from Duke University, delves into the fascinating complexities of human desires and morality. He explores whether our wants can be reshaped and the interplay between self-interest and moral action. The conversation also touches on the distinction between laws and societal norms, as well as how emotional responses guide our understanding of ethics. Munger examines how personal anecdotes and philosophical insights can help us navigate the intricate balance between our desires and ethical considerations.
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INSIGHT

Economists' View on Preferences

  • Economists view preferences as rational, complete, and transitive.
  • They often overlook the concept of preferences about preferences, unlike other social sciences.
ANECDOTE

Mother Teresa's Selfishness?

  • Christopher Hitchens called Mother Teresa selfish because she acted on her preference to help the poor.
  • This illustrates how economists equate acting on preferences with selfishness, even for altruistic acts.
ANECDOTE

The Preference Store

  • Michael Munger uses the hypothetical "preference store" to illustrate a point.
  • This thought experiment highlights the limitations of standard economic thinking about preference formation.
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