More than we need rules, argues Michael Munger, we need rules about the rules. So does the United States need a new Constitution? Listen as the Duke University economist and political scientist talks to host Russ Roberts about public choice, consenting to coercion, and whether constitutions matter. The post Michael Munger on Constitutions appeared first on Econlib.

Once it was The Shadow radio show; now it’s the podcast Serial. Is every old storytelling medium new again? Frank Rose, author of The Sea We Swim In, concedes that some things remain sacred–from the power of a great hook to the hope that great stories never end. But he also thinks the Internet has […] The post Frank Rose on Internet Narratives appeared first on Econlib.

Economic theory teaches that people make choices that provide them with the greatest benefit. So why not extend this idea to the realm of charity? Economists and social entrepreneurs Michael Faye and Paul Niehaus of GiveDirectly argue that giving people cash with no strings attached is the most cost-effective means of helping the poorest people in […] The post Michael Faye and Paul Niehaus on GiveDirectly appeared first on Econlib.

We undervalue our sense of hearing and we under-appreciate the impact sweet sounds and disturbing noises have on our well-being. Neuroscientist Nina Kraus of Northwestern University talks about her book, Of Sound Mind. Kraus argues that our listening affects our minds and brains in ways we ignore at our peril. The post Nina Kraus on Hearing, Noise, and Of Sound Mind appeared first on Econlib.

Stuntman and action designer Eric Jacobus joins EconTalk host Russ Roberts for a no-holds-barred discussion of the biological basis for violence and how to avoid the worst of it, the value of violence as spectator sport, and the vast superiority of duels to feuds–Alexander Hamilton notwithstanding. The post Eric Jacobus on the Art and Science of Violence appeared first on Econlib.

Author and economist Emily Oster of Brown University talks about her book, The Family Firm, with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Oster argues that running your family life the way you’d run your own business makes for a better family in today’s crazy world. And where possible, the myriad of decisions you make should be based […] The post Emily Oster on the Family Firm appeared first on Econlib.

Of all the scenarios that keep astrophysicist Sandra Faber up at night, it’s not the Earth’s increasing volcanism, the loss of photosynthesis, or even the impact of a massive asteroid. Rather, it’s the collapse she’s certain will result from the unbridled growth of the world’s economies. Join Faber and EconTalk host Russ Roberts as they […] The post Sandra Faber on the Future of the Earth appeared first on Econlib.

Philosopher Jennifer Frey of the University of South Carolina talks about the state of the university in American education. Frey urges a stronger focus on virtue and human flourishing and a reduced focus on career preparation. Roberts, despite his sympathy with the examined life, challenges the virtue of philosophical enquiry. At the end of the […] The post Jennifer Frey on Education, Philosophy, and the University appeared first on Econlib.

Author and psychologist Paul Bloom of the University of Toronto talks about his book, The Sweet Spot, with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Bloom argues that suffering is underrated–suffering is part of happiness and meaning. This is a wide-ranging discussion of popular culture, religion, and what we hope to get out of life. The post Paul Bloom on Happiness, Suffering, and the Sweet Spot appeared first on Econlib.

Journalist and author Rowan Jacobsen talks about his book Truffle Hound with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. This conversation has nothing to do with chocolate. It’s about the strange world of underground fungi, found in the forest by specially trained dogs and used by chefs and home cooks around the world. You will learn about truffle […] The post Rowan Jacobsen on Truffle Hound appeared first on Econlib.