Intelligence Squared

Debate: Abolish Billionaires

Jul 23, 2021

Linsey McGoey, a sociology professor known for her insightful books on economic disparities, argues against the existence of billionaires, stressing their role in exacerbating inequality. Ryan Bourne, an economics expert from the Cato Institute, defends billionaires, highlighting their potential for innovation and philanthropy. They debate the societal impact of wealth concentration, the complexities of wealth taxation, and the influence of billionaire philanthropy on democracy and global health. The discussion culminates in a live audience vote revealing differing views on abolishing billionaires.

58:14

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Episode guests

Ryan Bourne

Linsey McGoey

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Billionaire Debate: Wealth and Inequality

21min

The Complexities of Wealth Accumulation and Taxation

5min

The Power and Pitfalls of Billionaire Philanthropy

8min

The Role of Billionaire Philanthropy in Global Health Inequities

2min

Wealth, Innovation, and Inequality

16min

Final Results of the Billionaire Abolition Debate

2min

As billionaires jet off to space should we abolish them here on earth? In this week's debate professor Linsey McGoey of Essex University and Ryan Bourne of the Cato Institute go head to head on whether society should tolerate the existence of billionaires. The debate was chaired by Economics editor at BBC Newsnight Ben Chu. For the Intelligence Squared discount on books click the link below: Linsey McGoey - The Unknowers: https://www.primrosehillbooks.com/product/the-unknowers-how-strategic-ignorance-rules-the-world-linsey-mcgoey/ Ryan Bourne - Economics in Once Virus: https://www.primrosehillbooks.com/product/economics-in-one-virus-ryan-a-bourne/

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