EconTalk

Zena Hitz, a philosopher and author of 'Lost in Thought,' explores the transformative power of learning for its own sake. She critiques societal views on education and prestige, advocating for genuine learning as a personal journey. Hitz discusses the significance of self-knowledge and the depth of reading in a visual world, emphasizing critical thinking and storytelling. The conversation also highlights the importance of listening in fostering human connections and navigating distractions in modern learning, promoting deeper intellectual engagement and community.

Agnes Callard, a philosopher and author from the University of Chicago, delves into the nuances of aspiration and self-transformation. She discusses how our values shape our identities and the inherent challenges in aspiring to become someone different. Callard contrasts aspiration with ambition, explores the ethics of influence, and rethinks rationality in decision-making. She emphasizes the evolution of personal preferences and the role of fiction in fostering empathy. Additionally, she navigates the complexities of free will, personal agency, and the interplay of neuroscience with philosophical thought.

Economist Lisa Cook from Michigan State University shares her insights on how racism has stifled U.S. innovation. She discusses the historical links between racial violence and a decline in Black inventors, highlighting overlooked contributions in patent data. Cook emphasizes the need for diversity in economics and STEM fields to foster ideas and equity. She also advocates for reforms in policing and education to uplift Black communities and promote inclusivity, suggesting approaches similar to South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission for national healing.

Robert Chitester, an educational entrepreneur and filmmaker known for his collaboration with Milton Friedman on 'Free to Choose,' shares fascinating insights into their partnership. He discusses the creative process behind the PBS series, emphasizing how unscripted moments captured Friedman's economic ideas in real-world contexts. Chitester highlights the importance of engaging storytelling in economics and reflects on Friedman's legacy of articulating complex concepts with charisma. Their friendship shaped how free-market principles were made accessible to a wider audience.

Margaret Heffernan, a professor and author, dives into the unpredictable future in her latest book, Uncharted. She emphasizes that while we cannot predict every twist and turn, we can prepare for them. Heffernan discusses the power of experimentation and scenario planning, sharing insights from healthcare and business that highlight flexibility and continuous learning. She also explores the importance of embracing creativity, spontaneity, and even mortality as key components for personal and professional growth.

Matt Ridley, author of "How Innovation Works," dives into the fascinating distinctions between invention and innovation. He argues that making groundbreaking inventions accessible is often tougher than creating them. Ridley emphasizes the collaborative nature of innovation, using figures like Edison and Jobs to illustrate teamwork's importance. He also highlights the transformative power of permissionless innovation and the way instinctual behaviors in birds and dogs can mirror human technological progress.

Franklin Zimring, a criminologist and law professor at UC Berkeley, dives deep into the shocking fact that roughly 1,000 Americans die annually at the hands of police. He discusses the disparities in media coverage of police killings versus executions and emphasizes the need for better policing practices. Zimring examines the complex dynamics of police encounters, especially in domestic violence situations, and critiques existing protocols. He highlights the role of systemic issues and calls for accountability and reform to promote civilian safety.

Michael Munger, a Professor at Duke University and expert in political theory, discusses the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education. He believes top universities may find opportunities for innovation but warns that second-tier institutions face tougher challenges. Topics include the rise of online education, the elitism in academia, and the balance between traditional models and modern accessibility. Munger critiques escalating tuition costs while stressing the importance of shared experiences in academic growth.

Journalist and author Ben Cohen, known for his book "The Hot Hand," delves into the fascinating psychology behind performance streaks in sports and life. He unpacks the illusion of the 'hot hand,' revealing how cognitive biases distort our perception of skill and randomness. The conversation spans from Shakespeare's tragic miscommunications to the biases faced by asylum judges, linking these themes to decision-making in sports. Cohen also discusses harnessing creativity through flow states, emphasizing resilience and the nuanced dance between chance and skill.

John Kay, a prominent economist and author known for his critical views on economic models, joins Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England, to discuss their co-authored work, 'Radical Uncertainty.' They delve into the pitfalls of relying on numerical probabilities in decision-making, especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation critiques traditional economic rationality, emphasizing the unpredictability of human behavior and the emotional toll of uncertainty. They advocate for adaptability and a multifaceted approach to understanding complex economic scenarios.