In this conversation from 2021, Alex speaks with Jacob Levy about Montesquieu's role in shaping contemporary political science, the American revolutionary project, and the role of the separation of powers as a bulwark against despotism. References 1. “Rationalism, Pluralism, and Freedom” by Jacob Levy Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Rationalism-Pluralism-Freedom-Jacob-Levy/dp/0198808917 2. “The Multiculturalism of Fear” by Jacob Levy Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Multiculturalism-Fear-Jacob-T-Levy/dp/...
Jan 15, 2025•58 min•Ep. 283
In this episode from 2021, Alex Aragona speaks with Victor M. Muniz-Fraticelli about whether the monarchy might seem absurd, and whether a little absurdity can be a good thing. References 1. “The Monarchy and the Constitution” by Vernon Bogdanor Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Monarchy-Constitution-Vernon-Bogdanor/dp/0198293348
Jan 08, 2025•57 min•Ep. 282
Alex speaks with Neera Badhwar about her forthcoming paper, “There are Divinities in Liberal Market Societies Too,” exploring how liberal societies enable prosperity, intellectual virtue, and moral growth. Neera discusses key concepts like happiness and flourishing, critiques thinkers like Gerry Cohen, and reflects on the role of free markets and limited government in fostering human well-being. References "There are Divinities in Liberal Market Societies Too" by Neera Badhwar (forthcoming in So...
Jan 01, 2025•51 min•Ep. 281
Today, we're revisiting this special Christmas episode of The Curious Task from 2019. --- Alex Aragona chats with Alex Tabarrok on this very special Christmas episode of The Curious Task as he explores whether gift giving is inefficient, and if there are better ways to give to others. References from Episode 21 with Alex Tabbarok You can watch a video of Alex Tabbarok and Tyler Cowen discuss gift giving here Giving to my Wild Self article can be found here...
Dec 25, 2024•43 min•Ep. 280
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 Sabine's article in the Spe...
Dec 18, 2024•52 min•Ep. 279
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 Danny Leroy's Public...
Dec 11, 2024•53 min•Ep. 278
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 Brian Albrecht's Substack, Economic Forces Link: https://substack.com/@briancalbrecht "Rebel...
Dec 04, 2024•50 min•Ep. 277
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 Z...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 276
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-Smit...
Nov 20, 2024•41 min•Ep. 275
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 Val...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 274
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 “T...
Nov 06, 2024•50 min•Ep. 273
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...
Oct 30, 2024•49 min•Ep. 272
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-b...
Oct 23, 2024•55 min•Ep. 271
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...
Oct 16, 2024•57 min•Ep. 268
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...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 269
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...
Oct 02, 2024•54 min•Ep. 267
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-a1e7-6d59ee...
Sep 25, 2024•59 min•Ep. 266
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 Experience of Other Developed Na...
Sep 18, 2024•57 min•Ep. 265
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 conta...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 264
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 "Shipwrecked by Rents" 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...
Sep 04, 2024•54 min•Ep. 263
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.gutenberg.org/files/34901/34901-h/34901-h.htm "The Constitut...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 262
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/Machine...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 261
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: "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 "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human ...
Aug 14, 2024•57 min•Ep. 260
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.archives.gov/files/press/press-kits/magna-carta/m...
Aug 07, 2024•59 min•Ep. 259
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 - Soviet Studies - https://www.peter-boettke.com/soviet-studies Classical Economics - ...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 258
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 Zwo...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 257
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.amazo...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 256
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: Conflict in Donbas, Ukraine": 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 "Understanding Everyday Peace": https://heller.brandeis.edu/news/items/releases/2019/winter-2019-magazine-everyday-p...
Jul 10, 2024•59 min•Ep. 251
Alex speaks with Marc-William Palen about the evolution of left-wing visions of free trade from the mid-19th century through the Cold War, highlighting key movements and figures like the Anti-Corn Law League, Karl Marx, and the Fair Trade movement, and contrasting these with protectionist and imperialist policies of the era. Episode Notes: Marc-William's book "Pax Economica: Left-Wing Visions of a Free Trade World": https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691199320/pax-economica Marx on ...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 255
Matt speaks with Joanna Baron about how government measures during the pandemic undermined civil liberties in North America and beyond. Episode Notes: - Brian Bird's PhD Thesis: https://escholarship.mcgill.ca/concern/theses/4j03d4180 - Fraser Institute: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/ - The Forgotten Fundamental Freedoms - Dwight G. Newman https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3803888 - Joanna's book with Christine Van Geyn "Pandemic Panic: How Canadian Government Responses to COV...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 254
