The Curious Task

Sabine El-Chidiac - What's Wrong With The LCBO?

Alex speaks with Sabine El-Chidiac about the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), exploring its historical context, operational inefficiencies, and the potential for reforming its structure. Sabine draws on her co-authored report to outline economic benefits and practical reforms, while also critiquing the LCBO's moral and historical failings. The conversation highlights broader themes of government overreach, consumer choice, and economic modernization.

References

1. Sabine's article in the Spec entitled "The LCBO is an archaic system with an ugly history": https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/the-lcbo-is-an-archaic-system-with-an-ugly-history/article_4d18e1c1-2080-5c7d-be29-7ff72e3bba60.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=copy-link&utm_campaign=user-share 

2. "Modernizing Ontario’s Alcohol Retail System" by Sabine El-Chidiac and David Clement
   https://consumerchoicecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Modernize_Ontario_Report.pdf

3. "Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity" by Thomas Babor et al.
   https://global.oup.com/academic/product/alcohol-no-ordinary-commodity-9780199551149

4. LCBO Historical Documents
   https://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/index.aspx

5. "Alcohol: Science, Policy and Public Health" by Peter Boyle et al.
   https://a.co/d/eoBTcI9

6. Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) Wholesale Model
   https://ocs.ca/

7. "Free to Choose: A Personal Statement" by Milton Friedman and Rose Friedman
   https://www.amazon.ca/Free-Choose-Personal-Statement-Milton/dp/0156334607 

8. Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) Model
   https://aglc.ca/

Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit patreon.com/curioustask.

Danny LeRoy - Why Are Groceries So Expensive?

Alex speaks with Danny Leroy about inflation in Canada, with a focus on the rising price of groceries. Danny explains how monetary expansion and government policies have driven up grocery prices and other costs, emphasizing the role of the Bank of Canada in creating money and the cascading effects this has on different sectors of the economy. Danny and Alex then discuss potential policy changes to address rising costs and improve the purchasing power of Canadians.

References

1. Danny Leroy's Publications
   Link: https://scholar.ulethbridge.ca/dannyleroy/publications 

2. "The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Constitution-Liberty-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320847 

3. Milton Friedman on Greed (Donahue Show, 1979)
   Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWsx1X8PV_A

4. Statistics Canada Data on Grocery Prices
   Link: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/topics-start/food-price 

5. "Prices and Production" by Friedrich Hayek
   Link: https://a.co/d/igCpqFX 

6. Austrian Economics and the Boom-Bust Cycle
   Link: https://yipinstitute.org/article/boom-or-bust-the-austrian-theory-of-the-business-cycle 

7. "The Road to Serfdom" by Friedrich Hayek
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Road-Serfdom-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320553
   
   

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Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Brian Albrecht - What Can Policy Makers Learn From Economists?

Matt speaks with Brian Albrecht about how policymakers can think more like economists by emphasizing the role of prices, trade-offs, and unintended consequences in shaping effective policies. Brian and Matt discuss tax policies, antitrust laws, and some very silly tariffs to illustrate the importance of applying economic reasoning to address societal challenges while minimizing inefficiencies.

References

1. Brian Albrecht's Substack, Economic Forces
   Link: https://substack.com/@briancalbrecht 

2. "Rebellion, Rascals, and Revenue: Tax Follies and Wisdom Through the Ages" by Michael Keen and Joel Slemrod
   Link: https://a.co/d/94DlEoq 

3. "The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Constitution-Liberty-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320847

4. "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" by Adam Smith
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Theory-Moral-Sentiments-Adam-Smith/dp/0143105922

5. "Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy" by Thomas Sowell
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Basic-Economics-Common-Sense-Guide/dp/0465060730 

6. "Antitrust Paradox: A Policy at War with Itself" by Robert H. Bork
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Antitrust-Paradox-Policy-Consumer-Welfare/dp/0029044561

 

Matt Zwolinski - Is There Such A Thing As A Free Market?

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

1. Matt Zwolinski's Substack, Bleeding Heart Libertarian
   Link: https://bleedingheartlibertarian.substack.com/

2. "Coercion and Distribution in a Supposedly Non-Coercive State" by Robert Hale (1923)
   Link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/2142367

3. "The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Constitution-Liberty-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320847

4. "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

5. "The Myth of Ownership: Taxes and Justice" by Liam Murphy and Thomas Nagel
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Myth-Ownership-Taxes-Justice/dp/0195150163 

6. "Tyranny, Inc." by Sohrab Ahmari
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Tyranny-Inc-Private-American-Liberty/dp/0593443462 

7. "The Individualists: Radicals, Reactionaries, and the Struggle for the Soul of Libertarianism" by Matt Zwolinski and John Tomasi
   Link: https://a.co/d/5lCZvGS 

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Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Nimish Adhia - Is Tipping A Good Practice?

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

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Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Erwin Dekker - What Is The Value Of Art?

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

Lauren Hall - What Is Radical Moderation?

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

Elias Khalil - Who Was Ibn Khaldûn?

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 

 

Larry White - What Is Free Banking?

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

1. "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

2. "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

3. "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

4. "Money, Bank Credit, and Economic Cycles" by Jesús Huerta de Soto
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Money-Bank-Credit-Economic-Cycles/dp/0945466390

5. "The Denationalisation of Money" by Friedrich Hayek
   Link: https://iea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Denationalisation%20of%20Money.pdf

6. "The Experience of Free Banking" by Kevin Dowd
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Experience-Banking-Kevin-Durham-University/dp/0255368305

7. "Money and the Market: Essays on Free Banking" by Kevin Dowd
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Money-Market-Essays-Free-Banking/dp/0415758424

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Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Alex Edmans - How Do Stories, Stats And Studies Exploit Our Biases?

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

1. "May Contain Lies" by Alex Edmans
   Link: https://a.co/d/aX2AJ0I

2. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0385676530

3. "Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction" by Philip E. Tetlock
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Superforecasting-Art-Science-Philip-Tetlock/dp/0804136696

4. "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

5. "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

6. "How to Lie with Statistics" by Darrell Huff
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/How-Lie-Statistics-Darrell-Huff/dp/0393310728

7. "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447

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Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Mike Munger - Is Capitalism Sustainable?

In 2020, Alex spoke with Mike Munger about the sustainability of capitalism. We're republishing that very important conversation today.

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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

Jeffrey Miron - Should Government Discourage Sin?

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

1. "Should Governments Try to Reduce Sin?" by Jeffrey Miron
   Link: https://scholar.harvard.edu/miron/publications/should-governments-try-reduce-sin

2. "The Time Travelling Dietitian" (YouTube Video)
   Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ua-WVg1SsA

3. "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

4. "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" by Adam Smith
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Theory-Moral-Sentiments-Adam-Smith/dp/0143105922

5. "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

6. "The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Constitution-Liberty-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320847

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Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Adam Lovasz - Is Spontaneous Order Just A Human Phenomenon?

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

1. 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

2. "The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Constitution-Liberty-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320847

3. "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

4. "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Wealth-Nations-Adam-Smith/dp/1505577128

5. "Anarchy, State, and Utopia" by Robert Nozick
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Anarchy-State-Utopia-Robert-Nozick/dp/0465097200

6. "Stigmergic Epistemology, Stigmergic Cognition
   Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389041707000290

7. "The Road to Serfdom: Texts and Documents -- The Definitive Edition" by Friedrich Hayek
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Road-Serfdom-Fiftieth-Anniversary/dp/0226320553

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Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Colin Craig - How Bad Is Canadian Healthcare?

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

1. Health Reform Now - the documentary that informs much of this conversation:
   Link: https://secondstreet.org/new-documentary-health-reform-now/ 

2. "Universal Health Care: What the United States Can Learn from the Experience of Other Developed Nations" Panel featuring Karen Davis
   Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2838163/

3. "The Healthcare Fix: Universal Insurance for All Americans" by Laurence J. Kotlikoff
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Healthcare-Fix-Universal-Insurance-Americans/dp/0262113147

4. "Cross-Border Healthcare"
   Link: https://www.pgeu.eu/cross-border-health-care/#:~:text=The%20Cross%2DBorder%20Healthcare%20Directive,provided%20certain%20conditions%20are%20fulfilled.

5. "Analytical methods to assess the impacts of activity-based funding (ABF): a scoping review"
   Link: https://healtheconomicsreview.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13561-021-00315-1

6. "Waiting Your Turn: Wait Times for Health Care in Canada, 2022 Report" by Bacchus Barua and Mackenzie Moyer
   Link: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/waiting-your-turn-wait-times-for-health-care-in-canada-2022

7. "The Overton Window"
   Link: https://www.mackinac.org/OvertonWindow

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Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Sabine El-Chidiac - What Helps Refugees Succeed?

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.

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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.

Mark Koyama - How Can Monopoly Lead To Shipwreck?

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

1. "Shipwrecked by Rents" by Mark Koyama, Desiderio Desideri, and Fernando Arteaga
   Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304387823001967 

2. "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Wealth-Nations-Adam-Smith/dp/1505577128

3. "Institutions, Institutional Change and Economic Performance" by Douglass C. North
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Institutions-Institutional-Change-Economic-Performance/dp/0521397340

4. "An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith
   Link: https://www.econlib.org/library/Smith/smWN.html

5. "The East India Company: A History" by Philip Lawson
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/East-India-Company-Philip-Lawson/dp/0582073855

6. "Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World" by Niall Ferguson
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Empire-How-Britain-Made-Modern/dp/0141007540

7. "The Rise and Fall of the Spanish Empire" by William Maltby
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Rise-Fall-Spanish-Empire/dp/1403917922

Jacob Levy - What Is The Idea Of A Liberal Party?

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

1. The Liberal Party Idea by Jacob Levy:
   Link:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381323406_The_liberal_party_idea_and_American_ideology

2. "On Liberty" by John Stuart Mill
   Link: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/34901/34901-h/34901-h.htm

3. "The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Constitution-Liberty-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320847

4. "The Federalist Papers" by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
   Link: https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/full-text

5. "Reflections on the Revolution in France" by Edmund Burke
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Reflections-Revolution-France-Edmund-Burke/dp/0199539022

6. "Democracy in America and Two Essays on America" by Alexis de Tocqueville
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Democracy-America-Alexis-Tocqueville/dp/0140447601

7. "Two Treatises of Government" by John Locke
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Two-Treatises-Government-John-Locke/dp/1616190345

8. "Political Liberalism" by John Rawls
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Political-Liberalism-John-Rawls/dp/0231130899

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Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Nathan Goodman - How Can Border Control Affect Domestic Life?

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: A Guide to Radical Capitalism" 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 Etienne Balibar, Sandro Mezzadra, and Ranabir Samaddar
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Borders-Justice-Etienne-Balibar/dp/1439906858

"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/0205617611

Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Ignacio Cofone - What Is The Privacy Fallacy?

Alex speaks with Ignacio Cofone about the intricacies of privacy in the digital era, examining how personal data is collected, inferred upon, and the legal frameworks that govern these practices, as elucidated in Ignacio Cofone's book, "The Privacy Fallacy."

Episode Notes:

1. "The Privacy Fallacy: Harm and Power in the Information Economy" by Ignacio Cofone
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Privacy-Fallacy-Power-Information-Economy/dp/1316518116

2. "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power" by Shoshana Zuboff
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Age-Surveillance-Capitalism-Future-Frontier/dp/1541758005

3. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
   Link: https://gdpr.eu/

4. "Privacy and Freedom" by Alan F. Westin
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Privacy-Freedom-Alan-F-Westin/dp/1935439979

5. "Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace, Version 2.0" by Lawrence Lessig
   Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Code-Laws-Cyberspace-Lawrence-Lessig/dp/0465039146

6. "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

7. "The Right to Privacy" by Samuel D. Warren and Louis D. Brandeis
   Link: https://www.cs.cornell.edu/~shmat/courses/cs5436/warren-brandeis.pdf

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Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.
To become a patron, go to patreon.com/curioustask

Bruce Pardy - Do We Have The Rule Of Law?

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

1. 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.

2. Magna Carta - "The Magna Carta" - https://www.archives.gov/files/press/press-kits/magna-carta/magna-carta-translation.pdf
   Mentioned as a historical document marking the beginning of limiting the king's power.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. John Locke - "Two Treatises of Government" - https://www.amazon.ca/Two-Treatises-Government-John-Locke/dp/1616190345
   His ideas on government and individual rights were mentioned.

7. 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