Conversations with Tyler

Paul Romer on a Culture of Science and Working Hard

May 20, 2020

In this engaging discussion, economist Paul Romer shares insights from his groundbreaking work on economic growth and development. He proposes innovative solutions for COVID-19, including mass testing and strategies for reopening schools. Romer critiques the FDA’s role in public health and explores the idea of charter cities for migration challenges. His reflections on human nature from experiences at Burning Man highlight the importance of a culture of science in society. With thoughts on reforming the World Bank and the potential of sub-Saharan Africa, Romer presents a hopeful view of economic collaboration.

59:59

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Episode guests

Paul Romer

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Understanding Economic Shortcomings

16min

Enhancing COVID-19 Testing Strategies

19min

Innovating Migration Solutions: Charter Cities and Development

9min

Navigating Dual Missions

5min

Trust in Science and Society

6min

Exploring Fiction, Nonfiction, and Human Motivation in Community Settings

3min

Paul Romer makes his second appearance to discuss the failings of economics, how his mass testing plan for COVID-19 would work, what aspects of epidemiology concern him, how the FDA is slowing a better response, his ideas for reopening schools and Major League Baseball, where he agrees with Weyl’s test plan, why charter cities need a new name, what went wrong with Honduras, the development trajectory for sub-Saharan Africa, how he’d reform the World Bank, the underrated benefits of a culture of science, his heartening takeaway about human nature from his experience at Burning Man, and more.

Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video.

Recorded May 13th, 2020 Other ways to connect

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