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Emily Skarbek – Thomas Sowell Today

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Sep 5, 2025

Guest

Emily Skarbek

Emily Skarbek, an Associate Research Professor at Brown University, discusses the profound influence of Thomas Sowell on economics and social theory. She explores the differences between conservatism and classical liberalism, emphasizing freedom and government roles. Skarbek critiques Trump’s alignment with Sowell's vision and raises concerns about expert-driven COVID policies. The conversation dives into the future of classical liberalism and the importance of emerging scholars in carrying on its legacy, reflecting on the Mont Pelerin Society's lasting impact.

01:07:36

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insights

INSIGHT

Liberty Over Mere Tradition

Hayek and Sowell prioritize liberty and evolutionary institutions over conserving practices for their own sake.
They value traditions as embodied knowledge but allow institutional adaptation to new circumstances.

insights

INSIGHT

Traditions as Knowledge Repositories

Sowell and Hayek treat traditions and customs as repositories of practical knowledge rather than mere nostalgia.
They argue evolved rules often embody problem-solving knowledge superior to what planners can design from scratch.

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ANECDOTE

Mentorship Led To George Mason

Emily attended George Mason to study Hayek and was mentored by Pete Boettke and Walter Williams.
She traces her intellectual lineage to Sowell and the price-theory tradition at George Mason.

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Thomas Sowell and the Evolution of Economic Thought

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Reflections on Sowell: Liberty in Question

23:20 • 9min

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Knowledge in Decision-Making

32:14 • 12min

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Navigating Trade and Climate Decisions

43:47 • 9min

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The Future of Classical Liberalism and Emerging Scholars

52:24 • 4min

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The Legacy and Role of the Mont Pelerin Society in Classical Liberalism

56:15 • 4min

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Exploring Classical Liberalism and Racial Inequality

59:52 • 8min

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#65079

Law, Legislation and Liberty

A New Statement of the Liberal Principles of Justice and Political Economy

Friedrich Von Hayek

This work, spanning three volumes, is a detailed examination of the conditions necessary for human freedom. Hayek argues that a free society must be governed by general and abstract rules rather than by specific legislation aimed at achieving social justice. He critiques the notion of social justice, arguing it is incompatible with the functioning of a complex market society. Hayek advocates for a system where law evolves from customary practices rather than solely from legislation and proposes a constitutional framework that limits government power through a division of power between two distinct democratically elected assemblies and an independent constitutional court.

#201

• Mentioned in 73 episodes

The road to serfdom

Friedrich Von Hayek

In this influential book, Hayek argues that the abandonment of individualism and classical liberalism leads to a loss of freedom, the creation of an oppressive society, and ultimately, the tyranny of a dictator. He challenges the view that fascism and Nazism are capitalist reactions against socialism, instead positing that these ideologies share common roots in central economic planning and the empowerment of the state over the individual. The book emphasizes the dangers of collectivism and the importance of maintaining a free market system to preserve human freedom and dignity.

#66867

Late Admissions, Confessions of a Black Conservative

The Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, ended its relationship with noted Brown University economist Glenn Loury after he was critical of Israel's actions in Gaza. The cancelation followed an appearance from fellow Brown professor and Israeli historian Omar Bartov on his podcast, during which Bartov offered an analysis of the Gaza genocide that reflected international consensus on Israeli violations of international law. Professor Loury joins Briahna Joy Gray for a must-watch two hour discussion in which Loury reflects on his career as a Black conservative, Ta-Nehesi Coates' book The Message, and the fact that his own Blackness informs his sympathetic attitude toward the Palestinian people. Does identity matter after all? As conservatives attempt to strip funding from the National African American History Museum and obstruct educators from teaching diverse histories, does Loury have any regrets about supporting attacks on "woke" pedagogy? Also, Loury debriefs on his viral interview with Tucker Carlson, and how his lefty wife has helped him to become more establishment in recent years.

Glenn Loury

#2749

• Mentioned in 11 episodes

The constitution of liberty

Friedrich Von Hayek

In this classic work, Hayek restates the ideals of freedom that he believes have guided the growth of Western civilization. The book is divided into three parts: 'The Value of Freedom,' which provides the philosophical foundation and justification of a free society; 'Freedom and the Law,' which discusses the development of the Rule of Law; and 'Freedom in the Welfare State,' which examines various areas of contemporary policy in light of the principles developed earlier. Hayek argues that liberty is essential for innovation and progress, and he warns against excessive government control and the stifling of spontaneous forces in society. He also explores the balance between individual freedoms and necessary government intervention, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law in ensuring individual liberty within a democratic society.

#3046

• Mentioned in 10 episodes

Knowledge and Decisions

Thomas Sowell

In 'Knowledge and Decisions,' Thomas Sowell examines how social and economic knowledge is transmitted through society and its impact on decision making. The book is divided into two parts: 'Social Institutions' and 'Trends and Issues. ' Sowell argues against the centralization of decision-making power, advocating for decentralized decision making and criticizing the role of intellectuals and government agencies in distorting knowledge and decision-making processes. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the incentives and constraints that influence decision makers and warns about the dangers of abstract and elitist social visions replacing actual knowledge. The book won the 1980 Law and Economics Center Prize for its significant contribution to understanding the differences between market and government processes.

#28958

Humanomics: Moral Sentiments and the Wealth of Nations for the Twenty-First Century

None

Bart Wilson

Support The Glenn Show at https://glennloury.substack.com

Video Links

0:00 What Thomas Sowell means to Emily

3:54 What’s the difference between a conservative and a classical liberal?

10:59 Ground News ad

12:45 Sowell’s interventions in price theory and microeconomics

19:31 The parallel careers of Thomas Sowell and Walter Williams

24:51 Emily: Trump is not fulfilling Sowell’s vision of liberty

33:37 A Sowellian critique of expert-driven COVID policies

45:08 The risks of uncertainty in Trump’s economic policies

53:46 The future of classical liberalism

58:01 The Mont Pelerin Society’s intellectual landscape

1:01:15 Glenn’s departure from classical liberalism

Recorded August 19, 2025

Links and Readings

Friedrich Von Hayek’s book, The Constitution of Liberty

Hayek’s essay, “Why I Am Not a Conservative”

Thomas Sowell’s book, Knowledge and Decisions

Bart Wilson’s book, Humanomics: Moral Sentiments and the Wealth of Nations for the Twenty-First Century

The Mont Pelerin Society

John Cochrane’s review of Late Admissions: Confessions of a Black Conservative

Hayek’s book, Law, Legislation, and Liberty

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