Bryan Caplan introduces the concept of the "idea trap," where during times of crisis, people panic and become open to illogical ideas.
He mentions the example of the COVID-19 lockdowns as a potential instance of this.
He questions the decision to lock down entire countries, given the varying levels of vulnerability to the virus, suggesting a more targeted approach to isolating vulnerable individuals would have been more sensible.
I talk to Bryan about open borders, the idea trap, UBI, appeasement, China, the education system, and Bryan Caplan's next two books on poverty and housing regulation.