EconTalk Michael Heller and James Salzman on Mine!
Aug 23, 2021
Michael Heller, a Columbia Law School professor, and James Salzman, an environmental law expert at UCLA, dive into the intricate rules of ownership from their book, 'Mine!' They unravel how ownership can often be ambiguous and discuss real-life implications, like the etiquette of reclining airplane seats. The duo also tackles the clash between individual rights and community rules, exploring themes of technology's impact on ownership perceptions and the emotional complexities tied to property disputes. It's an eye-opening journey through the hidden mechanics of ownership.
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The Airline Seat
- A passenger reclined her seat into James Salzman's lap, sparking a discussion about ownership.
- This incident inspired the book "Mine!"
Airline Ambiguity
- Conflicts over reclining airline seats arise from ambiguity about ownership of the space.
- Airlines profit from this ambiguity, as passengers blame each other, not the airline.
Solving the Reclining Seat Problem
- Offer a drink or snack to the person in front of you if they are reclining excessively.
- This small gesture can often resolve the conflict more effectively than money.
