The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma cover image

The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma

Ep 349: The Incredible Insights of Timur Kuran

Oct 2, 2023
Timur Kuran, author and professor at Duke University, joins Amit Varma to discuss the decline of the Middle East compared to Europe, the concept of preference falsification, collecting stamps, the challenges of studying Islam, the slow progress of ideas, the impact of social media, the miscommunication about poverty, school choice in India, preference falsification in politics, the lack of innovation in the Middle East, the effect of Islamic inheritance laws on economic development, the establishment of walks, unintended consequences of private provision of public goods, the rise of joint stock companies and Western banks in the Ottoman Empire, Islam's reformation, and the potential for a schism within Islam.
05:19:48

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Preference falsification can shape one's identity and beliefs, leading to resistance in changing preferences.
  • Social media amplifies preference falsification and contributes to polarization by encouraging extreme views and suppressing dissenting opinions.

Deep dives

The Complexities of Istanbul as Home

Istanbul, with its rich history and cultural heritage, holds a special place in the speaker's heart as his childhood home. While the city has grown and changed rapidly over the years, there are certain parts and aspects that still evoke a sense of familiarity and belonging. The speaker values the historical neighborhoods and the refined social and dining scenes that have developed over time. Despite the immense growth and influx of migrants, the essence of Istanbul as a cosmopolitan and educated city still resonates for the speaker.

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