John Mueller discusses the wisdom of complacency in the face of exaggerated international threats.Today’s Book: The Stupidity of WarFollow @IdeasHavingSexx on TwitterPsychology of a Superpower by Chris FettweisOther Books by John MuellerJohn's Work at CATOResponsible Statecraft

Philosopher Michael Huemer discusses skepticism, free will, the mind-body problem, and the existence of God. He explores the complexities of burden shifting in arguments, evolution of philosophical ideas, difficulties in defining knowledge, and ethical theories. The conversation also touches on utilitarianism, rule utilitarianism in ethics, ethical intuitionism, time travel paradoxes in popular culture, and logical coherence in movies.

Kristian Niemietz explains how the allure of socialism never seems to die, despite its many failures.Today’s book: Socialism: The Failed Idea That Never DiesFollow @IdeasHavingSexx on TwitterFollow Kristian Niemietz on TwitterInstitute of Economic AffairsPolitical Pilgrims by Paul Hollander

Bryan Caplan discusses the many ways demagogues manipulate their way to the top. Today’s book: How Evil Are Politicians?Follow @IdeasHavingSexx on TwitterBryan’s blogDiscussed and Recommended Books:A History of FascismHitler SpeaksWorld CommunismExpert Political JudgementSuperforcastingThe Problem of Political AuthorityThe Stupidity of WarMein Kampf

David Skarbek describes the formal and informal governance structures in prisons around the world.Follow me on Twitter, YouTubeToday’s book: The Puzzle of Prison OrderOther LinksThe Social Order of the UnderworldDavid’s TwitterDavid’s Website

David Friedman describes the legal systems of societies throughout history and around the globe.Chris Kaufman on Twitter: @IdeasHavingSexxToday's Book: Legal Systems Very Different from OursOther things discussed in the episode:David's WebsiteDavid's BlogThe Machinery of FreedomLaw's OrderFriedman vs Block on Austrian vs Chicago EconMan, Economy, and StateRobert Murphy Responds to DavidAstral Codex Ten (Formerly Slate Star Codex)

Bart Wilson tells us why property is a universal and uniquely human custom, and why all of those words are important.Chris Kaufman on Twitter @IdeasHavingSexxBart Wilson on Twitter @BartWilsonBook: The Property Species: Mine, Yours, and the Human MindBook: HumanomicsBook: Imprisoned in EnglishBook: English - Meaning and CultureEPISODE TRANSCRIPT“Today I'm talking to professor of economics at chapman University Bart J. Wilson about his book, The Property Species. Bart and I talk about…” (full transcript)

Robin Hanson explains why we are systematically self deceived about our deepest motivations.@IdeasHavingSexx on TwitterBook: The Elephant in the BrainBook: The Age of EmNew Project: Grabby AliensBlog: Overcoming BiasEPISODE TRANSCRIPT: “Today we are joined by Robin Hanson, professor of economics at George Mason University. Robin is the co author with Kevin Simler of The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life… (full transcript)

Bryan Caplan talks minimum wage, educational signaling, bias in scientific research, and more. Follow @IdeasHavingSexx on Twitter.Today’s book: Labor Econ Versus the World: Essays on the World's Greatest MarketBryan’s blog and author page.EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: “Today I'm talking to George Mason University economist Bryan Caplan about his new book, Labor Econ Versus the World…” (full transcript)