EconTalk

Tiffany Jenkins, author of "Keeping Their Marbles", dives into the contentious repatriation debate of the Elgin Marbles, exploring their historical significance and the implications of British colonialism. She delves into the art of looting during Napoleonic conquests, discussing how military victories influenced cultural artifacts. Jenkins also critiques the evolving role of museums, questioning their purpose between education and social justice, while emphasizing the complex narratives surrounding ownership and cultural restitution.

Ian Leslie, an author known for his insightful exploration of curiosity and the human condition, discusses the paradox of human creativity in the age of AI. He argues that as we become more predictable, AI sounds increasingly human. The conversation critiques modern education for stifling individuality, examines the formulaic nature of contemporary pop music and film, and emphasizes the need for authentic human connections amidst a digital landscape. Leslie passionately advocates for embracing our unique perspectives to counteract the robotic tendencies of society.

Hannah Ritchie, head of research at Our World in Data and a senior researcher at the Oxford Martin Program, shares her insights on climate change and sustainable eating. She challenges the myth that local food is always better for the environment, discussing the complexities of food’s carbon footprint. Ritchie emphasizes the importance of data in debunking misconceptions about emissions from food production and advocates for positive climate messaging. She also explores the psychological barriers to adopting meat alternatives and the potential of renewable energy.

Economic historian Judge Glock shares his insights on zoning and its surprisingly small impact on housing affordability. He promotes a rethink of property taxes, arguing they can be beneficial if managed well. Glock contrasts U.S. zoning practices with those in Japan, delving into the complexities of urban sprawl and its environmental effects. With a focus on local governance, he advocates for flexible zoning policies and diverse community choices that could improve housing markets, especially in areas like the Bay Area compared to Houston.

Economist Arnold Kling dives into the implications of Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter, debating free speech's nuances and the monetization challenges of social media. He critically assesses the FTX collapse, comparing Sam Bankman-Fried to Jeff Bezos and discussing the risks of venture capitalism. Kling also explores ChatGPT's potential and limitations in AI, sharing personal anecdotes about its inaccuracies while raising ethical concerns about AI-generated content. Join him for a thought-provoking discussion on technology and economics!

Monica Guzman, a journalist and author of "I Never Thought of It That Way," works to cultivate constructive conversations amidst divisiveness. She discusses the importance of understanding differing perspectives rather than debating who is right or wrong. Guzman emphasizes curiosity, active listening, and empathy as tools to bridge divides. They explore how personal experiences shape beliefs, the tragedies of miscommunication during crises like COVID-19, and the challenges posed by technology. Ultimately, Guzman advocates for meaningful dialogues that foster connection and understanding.

Neuroscientist Patrick House, author of "Nineteen Ways of Looking at Consciousness," dives into the enigmatic nature of the mind. He explores how consciousness intertwines with emotions, revealing the challenges researchers face in understanding human behavior. House discusses the significant role of language and personal interpretation in scientific discovery and relationships. He delves into existential questions about meaning and mortality, and shares insights on how the cerebellum shapes our intuition and decision-making. A fascinating journey into what it means to be human!

Annie Duke, a former professional poker player and decision strategist, passionately advocates for the virtue of quitting. She argues that society's obsession with grit often blinds us to the costs of sticking with losing outcomes. Duke shares insights on how quitting can lead to better decision-making and highlights fascinating analogies, from ants embracing serendipity to tragic stories of climbers on Mount Everest. Listeners will rethink perseverance and understand the psychological complexities behind knowing when to walk away.

Join Johnathan Bi, an entrepreneur and philosopher with a math and computer science background, as he dives into René Girard's mimetic theory. He discusses how our desires are shaped by imitation and the quest for authenticity in a socially influenced world. Bi critiques modern views on desire, reflecting on body image ideals and the philosophical underpinnings of social existence. The conversation also delves into the limitations of traditional economics, examining how values and identity influence decision-making and the intricate relationship between trade and peace.

Agnes Callard, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Chicago, grapples with profound questions about meaning and humanity's future. She explores a haunting thought experiment about a world devoid of future generations, highlighting the despair it could evoke. The conversation dives into the deeper significance of education beyond mere job preparation and reflects on how awareness of mortality shapes our pursuit of beauty and purpose. Callard artfully discusses the evolution of human rights and the complexities of contemporary parenting in this thought-provoking dialogue.