Rob Wiblin and Russ Roberts on Charity, Science, and Utilitarianism

In 'Transformative Experience', L.A. Paul argues that certain life choices, such as deciding to become a parent, converting to a religion, or medically altering one's physical and mental capacities, are transformative experiences that cannot be assessed in advance. These experiences change the person in both epistemic and personal ways, making it impossible to make fully informed decisions based on current preferences and values. Paul uses classic philosophical examples and recent work in decision theory, cognitive science, and the philosophy of mind to develop a rigorous account of how we should understand and approach such transformative decisions.

Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Ones Walk Away from Omelas" is a renowned short story exploring the moral complexities of utopian societies. It depicts a seemingly idyllic city where happiness is maintained at the cost of a single child's suffering. The story challenges readers to confront the ethical implications of societal structures and the compromises made in the pursuit of collective well-being. Le Guin's masterful use of allegory and her exploration of profound moral dilemmas have made this story a staple of literature courses and a source of ongoing discussion about ethics and social responsibility. The story's enduring power lies in its ability to provoke thought and challenge readers to examine their own values and beliefs.

The book follows the story of Ramon Fernandez, a Stanford University tennis player, and his interactions with economics professor Ruth Lieber. It explores how prices create harmony between consumers and entrepreneurs, allocate resources, and sustain economic growth. Through extended dialogues, the book explains core economic concepts, such as the role of prices in natural disasters and the emergence of economic order without central control[1][5][4].