Ep. 113 Oren Cass and the Conservative Critique of Pure Laissez-Faire
Oren Cass is the executive director of American Compass, a conservative think tank that stresses the importance of family and domestic industry, in opposition to a singleminded devotion to economic efficiency. Cass was previously a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, and was the domestic policy director for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. Bob…
Ep. 112 Commentary on the Politics and Economics of the Coronavirus Response
Bob comments on various aspects of the response to the coronavirus. Although many libertarians are accusing the authorities of exaggerating the threat, it would also be a “libertarian take” to accuse them of downplaying the threat early on, misleading the public on how to stay safe. Bob also tries to clarify thinking about the Fed’s…
Ep. 111 Winston Ewert Explains His Research Applying Computer Science to Intelligent Design
Winston Ewert is an up-and-coming researcher in the Intelligent Design movement, having co-authored articles with one of its leading lights, William Dembski. After explaining ID and relating it to creationism and the theory of common descent, Winston summarizes his research which applies insights from computer science to the biological realm. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links…
Ep. 110 Blackjack, the Kelly Criterion, and the “Scientific” Approach to Investing
Bob discusses the famous Kelly criterion, which is a rule for capital management relevant in both gambling and investing. Bob explains the appeal of the Kelly criterion but also details how professional economists have disputed its importance. Bob illustrates the points with references to his high school Blackjack days. Mentioned in the Episode and Other…
Ep. 109 Larry Reed on Maintaining Hope and Speaking Truth to Power
Larry Reed has been an organizational leader for liberty for decades, first at the Mackinac Center and then at FEE. He talks with Bob about Solzhenitsyn’s ability to withstand the Soviet gulag, and more generally makes the case for optimism in the face of oppression. Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest: The…