Intelligence Squared The Classical School, with Callum Williams and Linda Yueh
May 12, 2020
Callum Williams, author of 'The Classical School,' joins economist Linda Yueh to debunk popular myths about great economists like Adam Smith and Karl Marx. They explore the true meanings behind concepts like the 'invisible hand' and reveal Malthus's controversial views on famine. The duo discusses the complexities of free trade and critiques capitalism, connecting historical economic thought to modern challenges like overpopulation and stagnation. Their insights shed light on the relevance of classical ideas in today's world.
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Inspiration for "The Classical School"
- Callum Williams wrote "The Classical School" to understand economic history better.
- He noticed frequent, possibly inaccurate, references to major economists in news and books.
Book’s Time Period
- The book covers the mid-17th to early-20th centuries, focusing on the emergence and formalization of economics.
- It starts with Colbert and ends with Marshall, marking the shift towards technical economics.
Economics and Pandemics
- Economic theories change in response to real-world events, like pandemics.
- Governments now aim to prevent bankruptcies and unemployment, unlike in typical recessions.
