Dirk Philipsen

In this session, sociologist Dan Hirshman and economic historian Dirk Philipsen illuminate the life of Simon Kuznets, the pioneer of GDP. They discuss how Kuznets' vision for national income measurement diverged from the contentious reality of its use. The conversation highlights the flawed nature of GDP and explores alternatives like the Genuine Progress Indicator and Human Development Index, advocating for a more comprehensive understanding of economic success that accounts for well-being and environmental impact.