Episodes
19 hours ago
Nimish Adhia - Is Tipping A Good Practice?
19 hours ago
19 hours ago
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
-
"How can U.S. restaurants break free from tipping? : finding a pay structure that works" by Nimish Adhia
-
"The Theory of Moral Sentiments" by Adam Smith
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Theory-Moral-Sentiments-Adam-Smith/dp/0143105922 -
"Coordination Problems and Economic Behavior" by Thomas Schelling
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Strategy-Conflict-Thomas-C-Schelling/dp/0674840313 -
"The Economics of Social Norms" 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 Coordination Problem in Policy Reforms" 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
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Erwin Dekker - What Is The Value Of Art?
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Alex speaks with Erwin Dekker about the economics and philosophy of art, examining various theories on how art derives its value. Dekker explores perspectives from classical liberal thinkers, discussing the role of market forces, cultural significance, and individual perception in determining the worth of art, as well as 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-Economics/dp/3030875302
Erwin Dekker's Website
Link: https://www.erwindekker.com/
"The Market and the City: Square and Stage in Classical Economies" by Erwin Dekker
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Market-City-Classical-Economies-ebook/dp/B08J1TJKKL
"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
"The Economics of Aesthetics: Art and the Market" by Bruno S. Frey
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Economics-Aesthetics-Bruno-S-Frey/dp/1441973850
"Art and the Market: Roger Fry on Commerce in Art" by Charles Saumarez Smith
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Art-Market-Roger-Commerce/dp/0801433685
"Creative Destruction" by Tyler Cowen
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Creative-Destruction-Cowen/dp/0691117591
"What Price Fame?" by Tyler Cowen
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/What-Price-Fame-Tyler-Cowen/dp/0674955107
Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Lauren Hall - What Is Radical Moderation?
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
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/0231195718
"High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out" by Amanda Ripley
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/High-Conflict-Trapped-How-Out/dp/1982128575
"Elements of Justice" by David Schmidtz
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Elements-Justice-David-Schmidtz/dp/0521539360
"Living Together: Essays on Justice, Pluralism, and Community" by David Schmidtz
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Living-Together-Essays-Justice-Pluralism/dp/0190233731
"The Polarization Detox Challenge" by Starts With Us
Explore more at: https://startswith.us/polarization-detox
"The Science of Family: The Politics of Moderation in Family Policies" 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
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Elias Khalil - Who Was Ibn Khaldûn?
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
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/ibnkhaldoun-and-adam-smith (Liberty Fund), 11 November 2020;
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
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Larry White - What Is Free Banking?
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
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
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"The Theory of Free Banking: Money Supply under Competitive Note Issue" by Larry White
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Theory-Free-Banking-Supply-Competitive/dp/091396913X -
"Free Banking in Britain: Theory, Experience, and Debate, 1800-1845" by Larry White
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Free-Banking-Britain-Experience-1800-1845/dp/0521379838 -
"Competition and Currency: Essays on Free Banking and Money" by Lawrence H. White
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Competition-Currency-Essays-Banking-Money/dp/0814779786 -
"Money, Bank Credit, and Economic Cycles" by Jesús Huerta de Soto
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Money-Credit-Economic-Cycles-Jesus/dp/1933550030 -
"The Denationalisation of Money" by Friedrich Hayek
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Denationalisation-Money-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0255360872 -
"The Experience of Free Banking" by Kevin Dowd
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Experience-Free-Banking-Kevin-Dowd/dp/0415099357 -
"Money and the Market: Essays on Free Banking" by Kevin Dowd
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Money-Market-Essays-Free-Banking/dp/0415140552
Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Alex Edmans - How Do Stories, Stats And Studies Exploit Our Biases?
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
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
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"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
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
Mike Munger - Is Capitalism Sustainable?
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
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
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Jeffrey Miron - Should Government Discourage Sin?
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
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
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"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 Ethics of Taxation" by Jane G. Gravelle
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Ethics-Taxation-Jane-Gravelle/dp/XXXXX -
"The Theory of Moral Sentiments" by Adam Smith
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Theory-Moral-Sentiments-Adam-Smith/dp/XXXXX -
"For Your Own Good: The Anti-Smoking Crusade and the Tyranny of Public Health" by Jacob Sullum
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/For-Your-Own-Good-Public/dp/0684849520 -
"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
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Adam Lovasz - Is Spontaneous Order Just A Human Phenomenon?
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
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
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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" 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 -
"Stigmergy and the Role of Insect Societies in Complex Systems" by Leslie Marsh
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Stigmergy-Insect-Societies-Complex-Systems/dp/XXXXX -
"The Road to Serfdom" 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
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Colin Craig - How Bad Is Canadian Healthcare?
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Matt speaks with Colin Craig about the Canadian healthcare system, discussing its inefficiencies, long wait times, and potential reforms, while comparing it to healthcare models in other countries and offering practical suggestions for improvement.
References
- Health Reform Now - the documentary that informs much of this conversation:
Link: https://secondstreet.org/new-documentary-health-reform-now/ -
"Universal Health Care: What the United States Can Learn from the United Kingdom" by Karen Davis
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Universal-Health-Care-Learn-Karen-Davis/dp/XXXXX -
"Sick in the Head: Why America Still Doesn't Have Universal Health Care" by Sarah Kliff
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Sick-Head-America-Doesnt-Universal/dp/XXXXX -
"The Healthcare Fix: Universal Insurance for All Americans" by Laurence J. Kotlikoff
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Healthcare-Fix-Universal-Insurance-Americans/dp/0262612263 -
"The European Union's Cross-Border Healthcare Directive"
Link: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/205/cross-border-healthcare -
"Activity-Based Funding Model in Healthcare: A Comparative Analysis"
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Activity-Based-Funding-Comparative-Analysis/dp/XXXXX -
"Waiting Your Turn: Wait Times for Health Care in Canada" by Bacchus Barua (Fraser Institute)
Link: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/waiting-your-turn-wait-times-for-health-care-in-canada -
"Overton Window: The Political Theory of Change" by Joseph P. Overton
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Overton-Window-Political-Change-Joseph/dp/XXXXX
Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Sabine El-Chidiac - What Helps Refugees Succeed?
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
To celebrate Sabine’s time at the ILS and her work with the Curious Task, we’re revisiting Sabine’s first appearance as a guest on the podcast.
—
Alex Aragona speaks with Sabine El-Chidiac as she explores the different ways civil society solutions help refugees succeed when they move to their new home.
References from The Curious Task Episode 68 with Sabine El-Chidiac
- You can find Sabine's work on this topic mentioned in the podcast at Police Options here
- The Government of Canada’s website contains a list of all the programs under which economic immigrants are admitted into Canada.
- Here is some more information about the express entry pathway.
- As Sabine noted in the podcast, admission under the Provincial Nominee Program is dependent upon what the destination province deems to be their biggest occupational and employment goals and needs. This link provides a brief overview of the program and hyperlinks to province-specific guidelines.
- You can read more about the UNHCR’s Refugee Status Designation process on their website here, as well as their procedural standards here.
- This is the link to the Government of Canada’s guide to the private refugee sponsorship process.
- Sabine mentioned the work of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto to accommodate and build a community for refugees by performing fundraisers and food drives amongst the parishioners. You can read their mission statement on their website.
- Sabine’s article, The success of the privately sponsored refugee system, discusses some of the themes from this podcast, such as the principle of civil society, and is available for reading on Policy Options.
- Here is a link to the Rapid Impact Evaluation of the Syrian Refugee Initiative developed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (2016. It compares the outcomes, living standards, and satisfaction of government and privately sponsored Syrian refugees between 2015-2016.
- This is a link to the joint statement to the UN General Assembly by the Ministers of Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Argentina, Spain, and New Zealand speaking in favour of community-led sponsorship approaches that Alex briefly mentions on the podcast.
- Here is a link to the official PSR cap published by the Government of Canada. Some examples of the lobbying against PSR caps include the Canadian Council for Refugees and the Canadian Refugee Sponsorship Agreement Holders Association.
- Alex and Sabine discuss Danby Appliances’ CEO Jim Estill’s sponsorship and hiring of over fifty refugee families in Guelph, Ontario. You can read more about this in the article linked here.
- On the podcast, Sabine shares the inspiring story coming out of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia with regards to how the refugees who were once sponsored to the area eventually became systems of support for new incoming refugees. You can follow the community work for refugees in Haida Gwaii through one of their local newspaper’s website.
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Mark Koyama - How Can Monopoly Lead To Shipwreck?
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Alex speaks with Mark Koyama about the historical context and economic implications of the Manila Galleon trade, focusing on how monopolistic practices increased the risk of shipwrecks and the broader lessons for contemporary economics about the unintended consequences of monopoly power.
References
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"Shipwrecked by Rents: The Manila Galleon Trade" by Mark Koyama, Desiderio Desideri, and Fernando Arteaga
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304387823001967 -
"The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Wealth-Nations-Adam-Smith/dp/1505577128 -
"Institutions, Institutional Change and Economic Performance" by Douglass C. North
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Institutions-Institutional-Change-Economic-Performance/dp/0521397340 -
"An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Inquiry-Nature-Causes-Wealth-Nations/dp/1494465227 -
"The East India Company: A History" by Philip Lawson
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/East-India-Company-Philip-Lawson/dp/0582490522 -
"Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World" by Niall Ferguson
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Empire-How-Britain-Made-Modern/dp/0141007540 -
"The Rise and Fall of the Spanish Empire" by William Maltby
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Rise-Fall-Spanish-Empire-Maltby/dp/1405844874
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Jacob Levy - What Is The Idea Of A Liberal Party?
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Summary
Alex speaks with Jacob Levy about the concept of a liberal party, exploring its philosophical foundations, historical context, and touch on all of these points within the context of Jacob's article "The Liberal Party Idea" (2024).
References
- The Liberal Party Idea by Jacob Levy:
Link:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381323406_The_liberal_party_idea_and_American_ideology -
"On Liberty" by John Stuart Mill
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Liberty-John-Stuart-Mill/dp/1505851210 -
"The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Constitution-Liberty-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320847 -
"The Federalist Papers" by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Federalist-Papers-Alexander-Hamilton/dp/0486496363 -
"Reflections on the Revolution in France" by Edmund Burke
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Reflections-Revolution-France-Edmund-Burke/dp/0199539022 -
"Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Democracy-America-Alexis-Tocqueville/dp/0140447601 -
"Two Treatises of Government" by John Locke
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Two-Treatises-Government-John-Locke/dp/1532846815 -
"Political Liberalism" by John Rawls
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Political-Liberalism-John-Rawls/dp/0231130899
Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Nathan Goodman - How Can Border Control Affect Domestic Life?
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Sabine speaks with Nathan Goodman about the complexities of border control and domestic policy, focusing on how these issues intersect with libertarian philosophy, the economic implications of immigration, and the ethical considerations of state power in regulating borders.
References
"The Law of Peoples" by John Rawls
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Law-Peoples-John-Rawls/dp/0674005422
"The Machinery of Freedom" by David D. Friedman
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Machinery-Freedom-Guide-Radical-Capitalism/dp/1507785607
"Anarchy, State, and Utopia" by Robert Nozick
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Anarchy-State-Utopia-Robert-Nozick/dp/0465097200
"The Ethics of Liberty" by Murray Rothbard
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Ethics-Liberty-Murray-N-Rothbard/dp/0814775594
"Borders of Justice" edited by Todd May
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Borders-Justice-Todd-May/dp/1438433712
"Free to Move: Foot Voting, Migration, and Political Freedom" by Ilya Somin
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Free-Move-Migration-Political-Freedom/dp/0190054581
"Politics in Plural Societies: A Theory of Democratic Instability" by Alvin Rabushka and Kenneth A. Shepsle
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Politics-Plural-Societies-Democratic-Instability/dp/0674686266
Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Ignacio Cofone - What Is The Privacy Fallacy?
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Episode Notes:
-
"The Privacy Fallacy: Harm and Power in the Information Economy" by Ignacio Cofone
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Privacy-Fallacy-Power-Information-Economy/dp/XXXXX -
"The Age of Surveillance Capitalism" by Shoshana Zuboff
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Age-Surveillance-Capitalism-Future-Frontier/dp/1541758005 -
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Link: https://gdpr.eu/ -
"Privacy and Freedom" by Alan F. Westin
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Privacy-Freedom-Alan-F-Westin/dp/XXXXX -
"Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace" by Lawrence Lessig
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Code-Laws-Cyberspace-Lawrence-Lessig/dp/0465039146 -
"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 Right to Privacy" by Samuel D. Warren and Louis D. Brandeis
Link: https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~shmat/courses/cs5436/warren-brandeis.pdf
Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Bruce Pardy - Do We Have The Rule Of Law?
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Matt speaks with Bruce Pardy about the rule of law in Canada, implications of the notwithstanding clause, the evolving interpretation of the Charter, and the balance between individual rights and state power.
References
-
Friedrich Hayek - "The Road to Serfdom" - https://www.amazon.ca/Road-Serfdom-Fiftieth-Anniversary/dp/0226320553
Discussed in relation to emergent order and skepticism of imposed rules. -
Magna Carta - "The Magna Carta" - https://www.bl.uk/magna-carta
Mentioned as a historical document marking the beginning of limiting the king's power. -
U.S. Bill of Rights - "The Bill of Rights" - https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights
Cited as a document that transferred power from the legislature to the courts in the American context. -
Section 33 - The Notwithstanding Clause - "Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms" - https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/check/art33.html
Discussed as a controversial clause allowing legislatures to override certain rights. -
Adam Smith - "The Wealth of Nations" - https://www.amazon.ca/Wealth-Nations-Adam-Smith/dp/1505577128
Referenced in discussions on free markets and the role of government. -
John Locke - "Two Treatises of Government" - https://www.amazon.ca/Two-Treatises-Government-John-Locke/dp/1507621453
His ideas on government and individual rights were mentioned. -
Milton Friedman - "Capitalism and Freedom" - https://www.amazon.ca/Capitalism-Freedom-Anniversary-Milton-Friedman/dp/0226264211
Cited in discussions about the role of government in economic affairs.
Thanks
Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Rosolino Candela - What Is The Morality Of Illicit Markets?
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Alex speaks with Rosolino Candela about the morality and dynamics of illicit markets, focusing on the transition from central planning to privatization in post-Soviet Russia and the role of property rights in shaping economic behaviors and attitudes.
References:
Rosolino's Website - https://www.rcandela.com/
Timothy Fry - Property Rights and Property Wrongs - https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316661727
Peter Boettke - Economic History and Soviet System - https://www.peter-boettke.com/soviet-studies
Adam Smith & Classical Economics - https://www.britannica.com/money/classical-economics
Constantine Menges - https://www.hudson.org/domestic-policy/an-appreciation-of-constantine-menges
Ayn Rand - Philosophy of Objectivism - https://aynrand.org/novels/objectivism-the-philosophy-of-ayn-rand/
Ludwig von Mises - Human Action - https://mises.org/library/book/human-action
Milton Friedman - Capitalism and Freedom - https://ctheory.sitehost.iu.edu/resources/fall2020/Friedman_Capitalism_and_Freedom.pdf
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Matt Zwolinski - What Is Bleeding Heart Libertarianism?
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Matt speaks with Matt Zwolinski about Bleeding Heart Libertarianism and the diverse perspectives within libertarian thought, discussing its history, philosophical foundations, and contemporary issues, including debates on social justice, individual rights, and the role of government.
References:
The BHL blog: https://bleedingheartlibertarians.com/
Hayek on SEP including his thoughts on social justice and libertarianism: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/friedrich-hayek/
John Tomasi and Matt Zwolinski's book "The Individualists" - https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691155548/the-individualists
Roderick Long on natural rights and libertarianism - http://freenation.org/a/f42l1.html
Eric Mack's page on Tulane U website, including works - https://liberalarts.tulane.edu/philosophy/people/eric-mack-phd
Ralph Nader on a libertarian alliance with "liberals"/progressives - https://www.wbur.org/radioboston/2014/05/21/ralph-nader
Billy Christmas on PhilPeople - https://philpeople.org/profiles/billy-christmas
A summary of American Libertarianism and consequentialism including a reference to Richard Epstein -
https://usapoliticaldatabase.weebly.com/consequentialist-libertarianism.html
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Chris Coyne - How Do You Run A War?
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Alex speaks with Chris Coyne about the complexities and ramifications of war, focusing on the interplay between media narratives, propaganda, and the impact on civil liberties, drawing insights from Coyne's book co-authored with Abigail Hall, which is a satirical guide on war strategies and their broader societal implications.
Episode Notes:
Chris and Abigail's book "How to Run Wars": https://www.independent.org/store/book.asp?id=145
1. Bruce Winton Knight's "How To Run A War": https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?an=bruce+winton+knight&title=how+to+run+a+war
2. Herman and Chomsky's "Manufacturing Consent": https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/61214/manufacturing-consent-by-edward-s-herman-and-noam-chomsky/
3. Noam Chomsky's website: https://chomsky.info/
4. Alexis de Tocqueville's biography, including reference to his distinction between hard and soft despotism: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alexis-de-Tocqueville
5. Otto Neurath's "From the War Economy to the Economy in Kind" https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/neurath/works/war-economy.htm
6. Abigail Hall and Christopher Coyne "Manufacturing Militarism: U.S. Government Propaganda in the War on Terror": https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781503628171/Manufacturing-Militarism-U-S-Government-Propaganda-in-the-War-on-Terror
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Greta Lynn Uehling - What Happens To Relationships During War?
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Sabine speaks with Greta Lynn Uehling about her research on the effects of war on relationships, an underexplored topic in conflict studies.
Episode Notes:
- Greta's book "Everyday War": https://a.co/d/09MHkjov
- Homer's "The Illiad": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliad
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv: knu.ua
- A primer on the concept of "Everyday Peace": https://heller.brandeis.edu/news/items/releases/2019/winter-2019-magazine-everyday-peace.html
- The UNICEF report on Mental Health: https://www.unicef.org/topics/mental-health
- The Battle of Ilovaisk: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Ilovaisk
- The Fullbright program website: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/about
- The Geneva Convetion at ICRC: https://www.icrc.org/en/document/geneva-conventions-1949-additional-protocols