
Policy@McCombs
A data-driven conversation on policy and economics. Policy@McCombs is produced by the Salem Center for Policy at The McCombs School of Business.
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Latest episodes

Feb 8, 2024 • 1h 31min
The Judeo Christian Tradition Lecture 4: The Sexual Ethics of the Judeo-Christian Tradition
In the late 1980s, philosopher George Walsh gave this six-hour course on Judaism and Christianity. With his characteristic erudition and humor, he covers the history and ideas of these two uber-influential religions. How did the most influential religion of all time spring out of the faith of a weak people on the periphery of the civilized world? What do the two religions still have in common? How – and when – did they diverge? Whatever your views, Walsh knows much that you do not.

Feb 8, 2024 • 1h 30min
The Judeo Christian Tradition Lecture 3: The Ethical, Political, and Economic Teaching of the Judeo-Christian Tradition
In the late 1980s, philosopher George Walsh gave this six-hour course on Judaism and Christianity. With his characteristic erudition and humor, he covers the history and ideas of these two uber-influential religions. How did the most influential religion of all time spring out of the faith of a weak people on the periphery of the civilized world? What do the two religions still have in common? How – and when – did they diverge? Whatever your views, Walsh knows much that you do not.

Feb 8, 2024 • 1h 30min
The Judeo Christian Tradition Lecture 2: Christianity and Its World OutlookThe Judeo Christian Tradition
In the late 1980s, philosopher George Walsh gave this six-hour course on Judaism and Christianity. With his characteristic erudition and humor, he covers the history and ideas of these two uber-influential religions. How did the most influential religion of all time spring out of the faith of a weak people on the periphery of the civilized world? What do the two religions still have in common? How – and when – did they diverge? Whatever your views, Walsh knows much that you do not.

Feb 1, 2024 • 1h 30min
The Judeo-Christian Tradition – Lecture 1: Judaism and Its World Outlook
In the late 1980s, philosopher George Walsh gave this six-hour course on Judaism and Christianity. With his characteristic erudition and humor, he covers the history and ideas of these two uber-influential religions. How did the most influential religion of all time spring out of the faith of a weak people on the periphery of the civilized world? What do the two religions still have in common? How – and when – did they diverge? Whatever your views, Walsh knows much that you do not.

Jan 25, 2024 • 1h 19min
Why Government Is the Problem – Milton Friedman
Circa 1990, the late great Milton Friedman gave this eloquent half-hour introduction to his views on economic policy. David Boaz, Cato’s executive vice-president, then moderates a free-wheeling policy conversation between Friedman, David Henderson of the Naval Post-Graduate School, Sally Pipes of the Pacific Research Institute, and Hannes Gissurarson of the University of Iceland.

Nov 9, 2023 • 1h 30min
The Role of Religion in History – Lecture 4: Islam
In the late 1980s, philosopher George Walsh gave this six-hour course on history’s most influential religions. With his characteristic erudition and humor, he covers so-called “primitive religion,” followed by Indian religion (Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism), Judaism and Christianity, and finally Islam.

Nov 9, 2023 • 1h 23min
The Role of Religion in History – Lecture 3: Judaism and Christianity
In the late 1980s, philosopher George Walsh gave this six-hour course on history’s most influential religions. With his characteristic erudition and humor, he covers so-called “primitive religion,” followed by Indian religion (Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism), Judaism and Christianity, and finally Islam.

Nov 8, 2023 • 1h 29min
The Role of Religion in History – Lecture 2: Indian Religion
This episode explores the main religions in Indian civilization, including Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, and emphasizes Hinduism's essential role in Indian society. It discusses the historical development of Hinduism and the precursor civilization of the Indus Valley. The chapter also delves into the concept of release or moksha in Indian religion and explores the beliefs and practices of Jainism. It discusses the origins of Buddhism and the life of the Buddha, delving into his privileged life before renouncing possessions. Furthermore, it explores the extent to which Oriental mysticism is influenced by Indian philosophies and discusses the role of religion in revealing knowledge about God.

7 snips
Nov 1, 2023 • 1h 17min
The Role of Religion in History – Lecture 1: Primitive Religion
This podcast explores the role of religion throughout history, starting with primitive religion. Topics discussed include the role of supernatural powers, magic, rituals, taboos, and the importance of myths. It also touches on faith, trust in God, morality, and taboo systems in primitive societies.

Oct 23, 2023 • 1h 30min
Which Is Better: Capitalism or Socialism?
Prof. Bryan Caplan and Prof. Scott Sehon debate the merits of capitalism and socialism. They discuss income inequality, collective control, individual rights, societal responsibility, exploitation, mass production, immigration, academia, taxation, and the role of government.
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