Bob Murphy Show

Adam Haman, a commentator on technology and culture, joins to explore a panel featuring Elon Musk and Jensen Huang discussing AI investment in Saudi Arabia. They delve into Musk's bold claims about a future where work could be optional and money may lose its significance. The conversation includes debates on whether AI can eliminate poverty, the potential abundance of goods, and the role of currency in an AI-driven world. Haman and the hosts also question the implications of robotics on labor and the geopolitical strategies of tech investments.

Pontus Rendahl, a neoclassically trained economist with a rich academic background, shares insights from his outreach to heterodox economists. He describes his experiences at Cambridge and frustration with hostility during events. Pontus addresses the divide over financial models and radical uncertainty, exploring claims of Modern Monetary Theory. He illustrates how small changes in model assumptions can drastically affect outcomes. His reflections on communication and the value of heterodox ideas in light of the 2008 financial crisis add depth to the conversation.

In a thought-provoking review, Bob and Adam dissect Eric Weinstein's innovative application of gauge theory in economics. They explore past reactions to his ideas and the potential impact on both neoclassical and Austrian schools. Key discussions include the relevance of path dependence, the critique of stable-preference assumptions, and the shift from aggregate to individual price measures. With hints at a possible theoretical revolution, they contemplate whether Weinstein's framework can reshape our understanding of economic dynamics.

Adam Hayman, a podcaster known for the Hayman Nature show, joins forces with AI commentators Jobst Landgrebe and Barry Smith to dive into the limitations of artificial intelligence. They explore the Clever Hans analogy, arguing LLMs merely mimic patterns without true understanding. The trio debates the feasibility of simulating evolution and how Gödel's Theorem poses limits on computational minds. They touch on LLM hallucinations and the challenges of creating embodied AI, while pondering the ethical implications of digital simulations and information in life.

In this enlightening discussion, David Brady Jr, a writer and economics student specializing in foreign policy and the American right, delves into the evolution of neoconservatism. He traces its origins from Trotskyism to the Bush era, highlighting key figures like Douglas Murray and James Lindsay as modern gatekeepers. Brady critiques contemporary 'woke baiting' tactics and the impact of credentialism among the managerial class. He also explores how institutional incentives shape the rise of new neoconservatives, discussing political dynamics in today's media landscape.

Steve Landsburg, a mathematician and author renowned for his engaging explanations, dives into the intricacies of special relativity using intuitive analogies from his new book. He explores how maps and coordinate frames can clarify spacetime geometry, and discusses the radical implications of light speed constancy. Through relatable examples involving Alice and Bob, he illustrates time dilation and the asymmetrical aging phenomenon, all while emphasizing the strong empirical support for Einstein's groundbreaking ideas.

In this discussion, Adam Haman, a keen commentator on economics and game theory, joins Bob Murphy to critique formal game theory. They explore the historical evolution of game theory and its applications in biology and computer science. Adam illustrates the complexities of strategies with real-life examples like poker. The duo addresses the disconnect between human behavior and game theory predictions, emphasizing fairness in decision-making. They also examine the limits of game theory in real-world scenarios, challenging conventional wisdom around cooperation and defection.

Dr. Keith Smith, a board-certified anesthesiologist and founder of the Surgery Center of Oklahoma, shares his recent testimony to Congress about medical costs and the need for price transparency. He discusses the impact of Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs initiative in challenging traditional pricing models. Keith highlights why more transparent surgical centers aren't emerging despite clear benefits to patients. He also explores innovative alternatives like Crowd Health and the importance of a free market in improving healthcare quality and reducing costs.

Scott Horton, founder of the Libertarian Institute and a prominent antiwar advocate, explores the new Scott Horton Academy in this engaging discussion. He shares insights on U.S. Middle East interventions and critiques of Christian Zionism. Horton delves into the evolution of right-wing anti-interventionism, influenced by figures like Ron Paul. He also discusses the shifting sentiments around Israel and the implications of recent events in Gaza. With a focus on educating others about foreign policy, he advocates for more effective debates on interventionism.

Steve Patterson, a commentator well-versed in math and economic theory, joins to dissect Curtis Yarvin's take on Misesian monetary thought. They dive into the limitations of GDP as a cultural wellbeing measure and unravel Yarvin's computing project, Urbit. The duo scrutinizes Mises’ views on inflation and banking fragility, while debating whether banking practices are fraudulent or entrepreneurial. Discussions on Bitcoin's inflexible narrative and the risks of custodial wallets highlight how economic theories shape modern monetary dynamics.