The Curious Task

Nov 20 2024 279 ep. 60 mins 90

The Curious Task Podcast artwork

Host Alex Aragona and a rotating cast of guests explore philosophy, politics, economics, and other ideas from a classical liberal perspective.

Education Society & Culture Science

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Nimish Adhia - Is Tipping A Good Practice?

Nov 20 2024 41 mins

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. Ref

Erwin Dekker - What Is The Value Of Art?

Nov 13 2024 60 mins

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

Lauren Hall - What Is Radical Moderation?

Nov 06 2024 50 mins

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 v

Elias Khalil - Who Was Ibn Khaldûn?

Oct 30 2024 49 mins

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

Larry White - What Is Free Banking?

Oct 23 2024 55 mins

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 Is

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

Oct 16 2024 56 mins

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. Referenc

Mike Munger - Is Capitalism Sustainable?

Oct 09 2024 59 mins

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 Sustainab

Jeffrey Miron - Should Government Discourage Sin?

Oct 02 2024 54 mins

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 imp

Adam Lovasz - Is Spontaneous Order Just A Human Phenomenon?

Sep 25 2024 59 mins

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 o

Colin Craig - How Bad Is Canadian Healthcare?

Sep 18 2024 57 mins

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-h