The Answer Is Transaction Costs

Send us a textWhat if understanding the hidden costs in every transaction could revolutionize how we see economics?  Stephen Medema of Duke University opens up about his academic pivot from computational tax policy to the history of economic thought, weaving in tales of detective-like intrigue and the thrill of uncovering the makers and movers behind economic theories.Beginning with John R. Commons' critical insights, and moving through Ronald Coase's focus on transaction costs as the critical difference among institutions, we explore  how these issues shape our understanding of efficiency and the "If markets are so great, why are there firms?"  Don't miss four new economics jokes (one is lawyer joke, in honor of common law!), my book recommendations, and get psyched for a summertime return to shorter, more frequent episodes.Meaning of "Kaleidic":  From Roger Garrison https://webhome.auburn.edu/~garriro/r8lachmann.htmLetters:Corner Crossing:  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/26/business/hunting-wyoming-elk-mountain-access.html?searchResultPosition=1 https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/natural-resources-energy/2024-05-13/corner-crossing-case-back-in-court Books:•Glenn Loury, Late Admissions: Confessions of a Black Conservative.  https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393881349 (Econtalk Podcast on the Loury book:  https://www.econtalk.org/glenn-loury-tells-all/  )•Kevin Munger, The Youtube Apparatus, from Cambridge Essentials.  https://www.cambridge.org/core/elements/youtube-apparatus/36600D69788530F805C650B70976A585If you have questions or comments, or want to suggest a future topic, email the show at taitc.email@gmail.com ! You can follow Mike Munger on Twitter at @mungowitz

David Schmidtz, an expert in economics and moral philosophy, discusses the fusion of economics and moral considerations in property ownership. The conversation delves into conflicts between individual autonomy and the greater good, the liberal heart of property law, and the essence of property ownership as societal constructs. The podcast explores justice, property rights, fairness, intellectual property, and humorous economics jokes.

Join Bruce Caldwell from the Center for History of Political Economy at Duke University as he delves into the profound impact of Friedrich Hayek's theories on modern economics. Explore the evolution of economic institutions, the importance of information in economic decision-making, and Hayek's transition from business cycles to economic calculation and knowledge distribution.

Exploring the evolution of cyber threats, ransomware, and cyber insurance in the digital realm. Delving into the economic implications and non-productive costs of cyberattacks. Understanding ransomware gang strategies, transaction costs, and negotiation dynamics. Ending with a sprinkle of economics humor and book recommendations related to Adam Smith.

Professor Lynn Kiesling discusses Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), transaction costs, the digital transformation of the electricity industry, institutional structure of production within firms, complex regulatory frameworks, impact of digitization on the electric system, role of batteries in the grid, and deferred payment plan in Shohei Otani's contract.

Special guest John Pelson, author of Wireless Wars and former corporate executive in wireless tech, explores 5G, Huawei, and global trade dynamics. From the intricacies of switching technology to the transformative impact of 5G, we discuss its potential in multiple industries. We also delve into national security concerns, the role of transaction costs, and the challenges of AI-enabled content manipulation.

Adam Thierer, senior fellow at the R Street Institute, explores permissionless innovation and its impact on society. The podcast discusses cultural attitudes towards innovation, obstacles faced by permissionless innovation throughout history, the importance of trial and error, talent migration and capital investment in innovation, the concept of intransitive preferences, and the benefits of transaction costs in protecting people.

In this podcast, the host and guest discuss the transformative potential of blockchain and Ethereum, touching on topics such as Ethereum's potential as a geopolitical tool, the enticing prospects of stablecoins, and the world of privacy technologies. They also explore the economic benefits of pseudonymity and the potential regulatory response. Plus, the podcast includes four economics jokes and letters from listeners discussing transaction costs, space flight projects, and book recommendations.

Exploring the intersections of Effective Altruism with utilitarianism and transaction costs, balancing big ideas and practical implementation, Adam Smith's theory of moral sentiments, the impact of EA in reducing transaction costs, efficient charity options, and a teaser for the next episode on transaction costs in cryptocurrency and the blockchain.

The podcast discusses the motives and morals of taxes, including fairness and raising revenue. It explores transaction costs in taxes and the wealth-poverty debate, mentioning 'The Price Is Right' as a metaphor. The power of prices ending in 99 is also explored, along with the psychological reasoning behind it. Additionally, Peter Singer's argument and transaction costs are discussed.