EconTalk

Diane Coyle on Cogs, Monsters, and Better Economics

5 snips
May 23, 2022
Diane Coyle, an economist and author of "Cogs and Monsters," questions traditional economic models that see individuals as mere cogs. Instead, she argues we're more like monsters, influenced by social media. Coyle emphasizes the need for diverse methodologies in economics and discusses the limitations of standard forecasting methods. She explores the ethical dimensions of policy-making, the value of culture beyond monetary terms, and advocates for a deeper understanding of community well-being, urging a rethink on GDP as a measure of progress.
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INSIGHT

Cogs in the Machine

  • Individuals are cogs in the economic machine, rationally pursuing self-interest.
  • This model is incomplete, neglecting social interactions, influences, and norms.
INSIGHT

Beyond Maximizing Utility

  • The concept of maximizing utility is flawed, overlooking deeper human motivations.
  • Well-being stems from social connections and shared experiences, not just individual consumption.
ANECDOTE

Unconventional Monetary Policy

  • Unconventional monetary policy after the financial crisis aimed for objective improvement.
  • However, it had significant distributional consequences, impacting wealth and income distribution.
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