The Curious Task

Alex speaks with Matt Zwolinski about whether a truly "free market" exists, delving into concepts of freedom, coercion, and property rights. They examine critiques of markets from left-leaning thinkers, such as Robert Hale, as well as conservative perspectives, while discussing libertarian approaches to balancing coercion and freedom in market societies. Zwolinski also references his own Substack essays and reflects on ideas for minimizing coercion without dismissing critiques. References Matt Zwolinski's Substack, Bleeding Heart Libertarian Link: https://bleedingheartlibertarian.substack.com/ "Coercion and Distribution in a Supposedly Non-Coercive State" by Robert Hale (1923) Link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/2142367 "The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Constitution-Liberty-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320847 "23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism" by Ha-Joon Chang Link: https://www.amazon.ca/23-Things-Dont-Tell-Capitalism/dp/1608191664 "The Myth of Ownership: Taxes and Justice" by Liam Murphy and Thomas Nagel Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Myth-Ownership-Taxes-Justice/dp/0195150163  "Tyranny, Inc." by Sohrab Ahmari Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Tyranny-Inc-Private-American-Liberty/dp/0593443462  "The Individualists: Radicals, Reactionaries, and the Struggle for the Soul of Libertarianism" by Matt Zwolinski and John Tomasi Link: https://a.co/d/5lCZvGS  Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald. To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Alex speaks with Nimish Adhia about the practice of tipping, exploring its cultural and economic implications, as well as its persistence despite widespread criticism from various stakeholders. Adhia discusses the historical origins of tipping, its impact on workers and customers, and coordination problems that prevent its abolition, referencing his own case study on the topic. References “The Theory of Moral Sentiments” by Adam Smith Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Theory-Moral-Sentiments-Adam-Smith/dp/0143105922  “The Strategy of Conflict” With a New Preface by the Author” by Thomas Schellin Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Strategy-Conflict-Thomas-C-Schelling/dp/0674840313  “Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action” by Elinor Ostrom Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Governing-Commons-Evolution-Institutions-Collective/dp/1107569788  “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference” by Malcolm Gladwell Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Tipping-Point-Little-Things-Difference/dp/0316346624  “The Rise of Decline of Nations” by Mancur Olson Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Rise-Decline-Nations-Stagflation-Rigidities/dp/0300030797 Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald. To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Alex speaks with Erwin Dekker about the economics and public policy perspectives on art, examining various theories on how art derives its value in communities. Dekker explores the idea of the separation between art and state, discusses cultural significance and individual perception in determining the worth of art, and how art's intangible qualities challenge traditional economic valuation. References "Realizing the Values of Art: Making Space for Cultural Civil Society" by Erwin Dekker and Valeria Morea Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Realizing-Values-Art-Cultural-Society/dp/3031245970  Erwin Dekker's Website Link: https://www.erwindekker.com/  “Two approaches to study the value of art and culture, and the emergence of a third” by Erwin Dekker Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10824-014-9237-y  "The Value of Culture: On the Relationship between Economics and Arts" by Arjo Klamer Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Value-Culture-Relationship-between-Economics/dp/9053562184  "Arts and Economics: Analysis and Cultural Policy" by Bruno S. Frey Link: https://www.amazon.com/Arts-Economics-Analysis-Cultural-Policy/dp/3540002731  "Art and the Market: Roger Fry on Commerce in Art" by Crauford D. Goodwin Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Art-Market-Commerce-Selected-Interpretation/dp/0472109022  "Creative Destruction: How Globalization is Changing the World’s Cultures" by Tyler Cowen Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Creative-Destruction-Globalization-Changing-Cultures/dp/0691117837  "What Price Fame?" by Tyler Cowen Link: https://www.amazon.ca/What-Price-Fame-Tyler-Cowen/dp/0674001559  Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald. To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Matt speaks with Lauren Hall about "radical moderation," a framework that encourages moving beyond binary thinking in social and political issues. Hall explains her framework, which helps individuals navigate complex situations by fostering curiosity, empathy, and creative thinking. They also discuss the roles of community, parenting, and social psychology in moderating polarized views. Episode Notes:  “Radical Moderation” by Lauren Hall Find more at: https://radicalmoderatesguide.substack.com  “The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization” by Peter T. Coleman Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Way-Out-Overcome-Toxic-Polarization/dp/0231197403  “High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out” by Amanda Ripley Link: https://www.amazon.ca/High-Conflict-Why-Get-Trapped/dp/1982128569  “Elements of Justice” by David Schmidtz Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Elements-Justice-David-Schmidtz/dp/0521539366  “The Polarization Detox Challenge” by Starts With Us Explore more at: https://startswith.us/pdc/#:~:text=Coleman%2C%20Ph.,and%20solving%20problems%20across%20differences  “Family and the Politics of Moderation: Private Life, Public Goods, and the Rebirth of Social Individualism” by Lauren Hall Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Science-Family-Politics-Moderation-Policies/dp/0367523267 Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald. To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Alex speaks with Elias Khalil about the influential ideas of Ibn Khaldun, delving into Khaldun's theories on the rise and fall of civilizations, the nature of political communities, and the importance of solidarity (Asabiyya). Khalil connects these insights to classical liberal thought and the works of Adam Smith, emphasizing Khaldun’s impact on understanding political order as a product of social dynamics rather than divine intervention. References 1. "The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History" by Ibn Khaldun, translated by Franz Rosenthal Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Muqaddimah-Introduction-History-Ibn-Khaldun/dp/0691166285 2. “Ibn Khaldoun and Adam Smith—Two Heroes of the Modern Age.” https://www.adamsmithworks.org/documents/ibn-khaldoun-and-adam-smith  3. “Ibn Khaldûn on Property Rights, The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History.” Journal of Institutional Economics, August 2007, 3:2, pp. 227-238. (It includes a long excerpt (pp. 233-238) from Ibn Khaldûn’s The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History.) http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1744137407000677 4. "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" by Adam Smith Link: https://a.co/d/j7XuEp4 5. "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Wealth-Nations-Adam-Smith/dp/1505577128   

Matt speaks with Larry White about the principles of free banking, focusing on how competitive banking systems can operate without centralized control. Larry highlights historical examples and the theoretical frameworks supporting free banking, emphasizing the benefits of decentralized monetary systems. References "The Theory of Free Banking: Money Supply under Competitive Note Issue" by George A. Selgin, Foreward by Larry White Link: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/white-the-theory-of-free-banking-money-supply-under-competitive-note-issue "Free Banking in Britain: Theory, Experience, and Debate, 1800-1845" by Larry White Link: https://iea.org.uk/publications/research/free-banking-in-britain-theory-experience-and-debate-1800-1845 "Competition and Currency: Essays on Free Banking and Money" by Lawrence H. White Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Competition-Currency-Essays-Banking-Money/dp/0814792472 "Money, Bank Credit, and Economic Cycles" by Jesús Huerta de Soto Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Money-Bank-Credit-Economic-Cycles/dp/0945466390 "The Denationalisation of Money" by Friedrich Hayek Link: https://iea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Denationalisation%20of%20Money.pdf "The Experience of Free Banking" by Kevin Dowd Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Experience-Banking-Kevin-Durham-University/dp/0255368305 "Money and the Market: Essays on Free Banking" by Kevin Dowd Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Money-Market-Essays-Free-Banking/dp/0415758424 Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald. To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Alex speaks with Alex Edmans about his book May Contain Lies, examining the widespread issue of misinformation and exploring how factors like confirmation bias, cognitive shortcuts, and misleading statistics can shape public opinion. They discuss practical strategies for identifying and avoiding misinformation, along with the broader societal impact of misinterpreted data. References "May Contain Lies" by Alex Edmans Link: https://a.co/d/aX2AJ0I "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0385676530 "Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction" by Philip E. Tetlock Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Superforecasting-Art-Science-Philip-Tetlock/dp/0804136696 "Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think" by Hans Rosling Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Factfulness-Reasons-World-Things-Better/dp/1250107814 "The Signal and the Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail – but Some Don't" by Nate Silver Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Signal-Noise-Many-Predictions-Fail/dp/0143125087 "How to Lie with Statistics" by Darrell Huff Link: https://www.amazon.ca/How-Lie-Statistics-Darrell-Huff/dp/0393310728 "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447 Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald. To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

In 2020, Alex spoke with Mike Munger about the sustainability of capitalism. We're republishing that very important conversation today. --- Alex Aragona talks with Mike Munger as he explores his views on the sustainability of capitalism and the factors that contribute to it. References from Episode 23 with Michael Munger You can order Michael Munger’s book Is Capitalism Sustainable on Amazon Canada here You can order his book Tomorrow 3.0 on Amazon Canada here

Matt speaks with Jeffrey Miron about the justice and effectiveness of "sin taxes," evaluating whether taxes on goods like alcohol, tobacco, and sugary drinks achieve their intended public health goals or whether they unfairly restrict individual choice. The conversation explores the ethical implications of using taxation as a tool for social engineering and questions the actual impact these policies have on behavior. References "Should Governments Try to Reduce Sin?" by Jeffrey Miron Link: https://scholar.harvard.edu/miron/publications/should-governments-try-reduce-sin "The Time Travelling Dietitian" (YouTube Video) Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ua-WVg1SsA "Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness" by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Nudge-Improving-Decisions-Health-Happiness/dp/014311526X "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" by Adam Smith Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Theory-Moral-Sentiments-Adam-Smith/dp/0143105922 "For Your Own Good: The Anti-Smoking Crusade and the Tyranny of Public Health" by Jacob Sullum Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Your-Own-Good-Anti-Smoking-Crusade/dp/0684871157 "The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Constitution-Liberty-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320847 Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald. To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Alex speaks with Ádám Lovász about the concept of spontaneous order, examining its philosophical roots in thinkers like Hayek and exploring its applications beyond human societies, including ecosystems and insect colonies, as well as its implications for understanding the limitations of technocratic control in both markets and ecological systems. References Adam's Author Page on Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/author/B00LXFHXN8/about?ingress=0&visitId=5dbd96f1-456d-41f2-a1e7-6d59eeaf6ca9&ref_=ap_rdr "The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Constitution-Liberty-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320847 "The Sensory Order: An Inquiry into the Foundations of Theoretical Psychology" by Friedrich Hayek Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Sensory-Order-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320944 "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Wealth-Nations-Adam-Smith/dp/1505577128 "Anarchy, State, and Utopia" by Robert Nozick Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Anarchy-State-Utopia-Robert-Nozick/dp/0465097200 "Stigmergic Epistemology, Stigmergic Cognition Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389041707000290 "The Road to Serfdom: Texts and Documents -- The Definitive Edition" by Friedrich Hayek Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Road-Serfdom-Fiftieth-Anniversary/dp/0226320553 Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald. To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask