The Curious Task

Institute for Liberal Studies

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

Bart Wilson - What Do Economists Miss?

Matt speaks with Bart Wilson about what economists often overlook in their analysis—specifically, the role of morality, human cooperation, and language in shaping economic behaviour. Wilson argues that mainstream economics tends to focus too much on scarcity and efficiency while neglecting the deeper social and moral foundations that make trade and prosperity possible. Drawing on his book Meaningful Economics: Making the Science of Prosperity More Human, he explores how concepts like property, r

Feb 26, • 49:36

Tim Thurley - Are Canada's Gun Policies Off-Target?

Alex Aragona speaks with Tim Thurley about gun policy in Canada, discussing the current state of firearm regulations, the shift away from a past political consensus, and whether recent legislative changes are effectively targeting crime. They explore the role of licensing, background checks, and storage laws, as well as the impact of smuggled firearms and high-profile policy changes like Bill C-21 and the handgun freeze. Thurley argues that recent policy shifts focus on legal gun owners while fa

Feb 19, • 1:40:36

Ethan Nadelmann - Is Vaping A Public Health Problem?

Matt speaks with Ethan Nadelmann about vaping, e-cigarettes, and pouch nicotine alternatives to cigarettes within the broader context of health policy and the drug war. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding nicotine, harm reduction strategies, and how opposition to non-combustible nicotine mirrors past drug war policies. Ethan highlights international case studies, the role of public health organizations, and the influence of figures like Michael Bloomberg in shaping the global discourse -

Feb 12, • 55:39

Eric Schliesser - Do Liberals Focus Too Much On Freedom From Restrictions?

Alex speaks with Eric Schliesser about the "freedom to" vs. "freedom from" debate in political theory, using Serene Khader’s book Faux Feminism as a central reference. They explore the historical distinction between negative and positive liberty, the role of hierarchy in structuring freedom, and how liberalism’s focus on removing restrictions can sometimes reinforce existing power structures. The discussion touches on feminist theory, liberal political thought, and broader critiques of market-ba

Feb 5, • 1:05:16

Ryan Thorpe and Matt Bufton - Is There A Role For A State Broadcaster?

Alex Aragona moderates a discussion with Ryan Thorpe and Matt Bufton about the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and its relevance in today’s world. They explore the CBC’s historical mission to promote Canadian culture and information, its struggles to meet its mandate, and the challenges posed by media fragmentation and perceived biases. The conversation also touches on the roles of private media, government funding, and the rise of independent outlets as alternatives to a state broadcast

Jan 29, • 52:16

Steve Davies - Why Is Politics Today So Weird?

In this episode, host Matt Bufton interviews historian Steve Davies about the political realignment happening across the Western world. Steve explains how traditional divisions in politics, such as socialism versus capitalism, have been replaced by a new axis centered on nationalism versus globalism. He critiques both "national collectivism" and "technocratic liberal progressivism" while discussing the implications for classical liberalism. The conversation also touches on the influence of leade

Jan 22, • 54:50

Jacob Levy - Why Is Montesquieu Important For Liberalism?

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/d

Jan 15, • 57:44

Victor M. Muniz-Fraticelli - Is Monarchy Absurd?

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 8, • 57:13

Neera Badwhar - Are Liberal Societies More Moral And Virtuous?

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

Jan 1, • 51:06

Alex Tabarrok — Is Giving Gifts Inefficient?

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 • 42:31

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 Sabine's article in the Sp

Dec 18, 2024 • 51:34

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 Danny Leroy's Publ

Dec 11, 2024 • 26:34

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

Dec 4, 2024 • 49:40

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 Matt

Nov 27, 2024 • 1:00:44

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-Smit

Nov 20, 2024 • 41:22

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 Val

Nov 13, 2024 • 1:00:22

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

Nov 6, 2024 • 50:12

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

Oct 30, 2024 • 49:08

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 "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

Oct 23, 2024 • 55:22

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 "May Contain Lies" by Alex Edmans Link: https://a.co/d/aX2AJ0I "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman Li

Oct 16, 2024 • 56:36

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. --- 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 9, 2024 • 59:31

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 "Should Governments Try to Reduce Sin?" by Jeffrey Miron Link: htt

Oct 2, 2024 • 54:16

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 Adam's Author Page on Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/author/B00LXFHXN8/about?ingress=0&visitId=5dbd96f1-456d-41f2-a1e7-6d59

Sep 25, 2024 • 59:22

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 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 Develope

Sep 18, 2024 • 57:26

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. — 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 • 1:00:34

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 "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

Sep 4, 2024 • 53:50

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 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 Cons

Aug 28, 2024 • 1:04:36

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/Machin

Aug 21, 2024 • 1:20:54

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: "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 Fi

Aug 14, 2024 • 56:30

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 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-ca

Aug 7, 2024 • 59:26

Rosolino Candela - What Is The Morality Of Illicit Markets?

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 • 1:10:48

Matt Zwolinski - What Is Bleeding Heart Libertarianism?

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

Jul 24, 2024 • 1:08:56

Chris Coyne - How Do You Run A War?

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

Jul 17, 2024 • 1:13:16

Greta Lynn Uehling - What Happens To Relationships During War?

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-everyda

Jul 10, 2024 • 58:58

Marc-William Palen - Were There Left-Wing Visions of Free Trade?

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 3, 2024 • 1:06:20

Joanna Baron - Did The Pandemic Undermine Civil Liberties?

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 t

Jun 26, 2024 • 59:30

Jonathan Blanks - What Is Systemic Racism?

Sabine speaks with Jonathan Blanks about why and how systemic racism exists in society, and what can potentially be done to curb it in various aspects of institutional life.  Episode Notes: - The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity: https://freopp.org/ - An article by Jonathan on defining systemic racism: https://freopp.org/what-systemic-racism-is-and-isnt-1213c1c972ff - Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America (2015) by Jill Leovy https://a.co/d/8f9JGqB  - 13th trailer: https://ww

Jun 19, 2024 • 1:30:20

Kevin Erdmann - Why Are We Afraid Of Building Homes?

Alex speaks with Kevin Erdmann about how zoning, the 2008 economic crisis, and the desire to live away from "those people" is effecting the state of housing today.  Episode Notes: Kevin's page at the Mercatus Centre: https://www.mercatus.org/scholars/kevin-erdmann The Erdmann Housing Tracker: https://kevinerdmann.substack.com/  Kevin on X: https://x.com/KAErdmann?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor  Kevin's book "Shut Out: How a Housing Shortage Caused the Great Recession and

Jun 12, 2024 • 1:17:00

Dominic Parker - Do Environmental Agencies Actually Help The Environment?

Alex speaks with Dominic Parker about his 2024 paper with Dean Lueck entitled "The Economic Origins And Extent Of America's First Environmental Agencies" Episode Notes: Dominic's paper: https://aae.wisc.edu/dparker/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/Lueck-and-Parker-Agencies-November-2024.pdf  Some history on the conservation movement from 1850-1920 via the American Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/item/00529694/

Jun 5, 2024 • 1:12:16

Ryan Bourne - Is There A War On Prices?

Alex speaks with Ryan Bourne as he explores the misconceptions around inflation and the dangers of price controls, emphasizing how prices act as signals to coordinate economic activity and promote growth. Ryan explains the adverse effects of government intervention in setting prices, such as shortages, quality declines, black markets, and inefficient resource allocation. Episode Notes: - Ryan’s book that serves as the basis for most of the discussion: https://a.co/d/6B4n1Uf  - Summary of

May 29, 2024 • 1:04:48

Kent Roach - Does Canada Have A Wrongful Conviction Problem?

Alex speaks with Donner prize nominee Kent Roach about a topic that many Canadians may overlook when thinking about issues that are recurring at home: wrongful convictions and its victims.  Episode Notes: - Kent's award-winning book "Wrongfully Convicted: Guilty Pleas, Imagined Crimes, and What Canada Must Do to Safeguard Justice" https://a.co/d/d9mB5cN - Canadian Registry of Wrongful Convictions: https://www.wrongfulconvictions.ca/  - The Innocence Project at Cardozo: https://innocenceproject.o

May 22, 2024 • 57:14

Ethan Nadelmann - Has Drug Decriminalization Failed?

Matt speaks with Ethan Nadelmann about drug decriminalization, legalization, and the slow end to the drug war in Canada and the United States, and how successes and failures in both countries compare to those abroad. Episode Notes: The Drug Policy Alliance website: https://drugpolicy.org/ Some history on Portugal's Drug Harm Reduction Programs: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/portugals-harm-reduction-policies  Philip Owen's obituary highlighting some of his successes in Vancouver as ma

May 15, 2024 • 1:06:24

Craig Biddle - What Is Objectivism?

Matt speaks with Craig Biddle about objectivism and the legacy of Ayn Rand, and how it all ties to classical liberalism, the American ideal, and post-modernism.  Episode Notes: Craig's work for the Objective Standard: https://theobjectivestandard.com/author/cbiddle/  Craig on X: https://twitter.com/CraigBiddle  Free Ayn Rand books courtesy of the Ayn Rand Institute, including almost all of those referenced throughout this episode: https://aynrand.org/students/free-books/  Craig's talk "Choosing

May 8, 2024 • 1:06:56

Bryce Tingle - How Are Regulations Damaging Markets?

Alex speaks with Bryce Tingle about corporations, how these unique legal entities are governed, how changes we have made to corporate governance has discouraged companies from joining Canada’s public markets, and how the decline in our public market is hurting Canadians. 

 Episode Notes: 1. Bryce’s article “Returning Markets To The Centre Of Corporate Law” https://jcl.law.uiowa.edu/sites/jcl.law.uiowa.edu/files/2023-09/Tingle_Final.pdf  2. Bryce’s profile at UofCalgary https://profiles.ucalgary

May 1, 2024 • 1:16:01

Eric Merkley - What Motivates NIMBYs?

Matt speaks with Eric Merkley about NIMBYism, the surprising touchpoints for unity between left and right on the subject of housing, and how uncovering the true motivations of NIMBYs has altered Eric's view of the housing crisis.  Episode Notes: "Housing for Me, but not for Thee", Eric's paper serving as the basis for most of this conversation: https://osf.io/preprints/7vmt3  Eric on X: https://twitter.com/EricMerkley  Eric's article on the subject on Policy Options: https://policyoptions.irpp

Apr 24, 2024 • 56:30

Ben Klutsey - How Do We Rebuild Trust?

Sabine speaks with Ben Klutsey about political polarization, commonalities between the United States and Canada, and his documentary on the subject entitled "Undivide Us"  Episode Notes: The documentary's website with more information, a trailer and the option to request a screening: https://undivideusmovie.com/  Kevin Vallier's "Trust in a Polarized Age":  https://a.co/d/gDm6pjz  John Inazu's "Learning To Disagree": https://a.co/d/1OmKckQ  Kevin Vallier on the Curious Task: https://www.podbean.

Apr 17, 2024 • 1:01:44

Rachael LaRose - What Happened To Our Relationships During The Pandemic?

Alex speaks with Rachael LaRose about the hidden costs of the pandemic, especially as they effected our commercial relationships, loose ties with individuals that once provided much value to our lives, and orthodox communities who rallied to prioritize faith in the face of fear. Episode Notes: - Rachael's webpage with past publications, etc.: https://www.rachaelbehr.com/  - "The Strength of Weak Ties" Mark S. Granovetter https://www.jstor.org/stable/2776392  - A summary of Ostrom's work on the g

Apr 10, 2024 • 1:07:58

Sam Bowman - Why Can't We Have Nice Things?

Matt speaks with Sam Bowman about the global housing crisis and why, in English-speaking countries in particular, a growing consensus across the political divide is pointing to problems with central planning, NIMBYism and a supply limit as the causes.  Episode Notes: Sam Bowman’s on substack: https://substack.com/@sambowman  Sam on "Vetocracy": https://www.sambowman.co/p/democracy-is-the-solution-to-vetocracy  Sam’s “Housing Theory of Everything” article: https://worksinprogress.co/issue/the-hou

Apr 3, 2024 • 1:13:06

Akshaya Kamalnath - Does Corporate Diversity Work?

Alex speaks with Akshaya Kamalnath about her work on Corporate Diversity, the social pressures and cultural trends that corporations are facing, as well as the jurisdictional realities of handling diversity, amongst other issues. Episode Notes: Akshaya's page at ANU: https://researchers.anu.edu.au/researchers/kamalnath-a  Akshaya's blog: corporatelawacademic.wordpress.com "Legal and Market Initiatives to Increase Diversity in Corporations—A Cross-Jurisdictional Analysis" by Akshaya Kamalnath htt

Mar 27, 2024 • 55:40

Deirdre McCloskey - Why Does Liberalism Work?

In May 2022, Alex spoke with Deirdre McCloskey in a wide-ranging conversation that addresses the economic, philosophical, and political reasons why liberalism just works. We're reposting that important conversation today on The Curious Task.  References 1. “Why Liberalism Works: How True Liberal Values Produce a Freer, More Equal, Prosperous World for All” by Dierdre Nansen McCloskey  Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Why-Liberalism-Works-Liberal-Prosperous/dp/0300235089  2. “The Bourgeois Virtues: Et

Mar 20, 2024 • 1:04:54

Alex Nowrasteh - What's Wrong With Nationalism?

Alex speaks with Alex Nowrasteh about nationalism as more of an innate tendency towards ethnic tribalism than anything resembling patriotism, and how this tendency may never disappear, but is worth resisting nonetheless.  Episode Notes: Alex's page at the Cato Insitute: https://www.cato.org/people/alex-nowrasteh  Alex on X:  https://twitter.com/alexnowrasteh?lang=en  Alex's book "Wretched Refuse?: The Political Economy of Immigration and Institutions":  https://a.co/d/2JePWpU

Mar 13, 2024 • 1:02:10

Oyebade Oyerinde - Has Federalism Hurt Nigeria?

Alex speaks with Oyebade Oyerinde about the state of federalism in Nigeria, and how western ideas of democracy, liberalism and centralization of powers have influenced the current state of politics in the African nation.  Episode Notes: "Polycentric Interstate Federalism Among The Yoruba Of Nigeria: Lessons For Growing An International Federal Order" by Oyebade Kunle Oyerinde https://cosmosandtaxis.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/kunleoyerinde_ct_vol10_iss11_12.pdf "Polycentric and Centralized Fe

Mar 6, 2024 • 1:03:36

Jason Kuznicki - What Does Technology Have To Do With Gender?

Sabine speaks with Jason Kuznicki about the present, past, and future influence of technology on gender and why he questions the uproar made about a choice made by individuals in the market about their own self-expression and identity. Episode Notes: Jason's article "Gender as Essence and as Economic Choice" http://tinyurl.com/2p9byb5d  The Cosmos + Taxis issue on gender: http://tinyurl.com/2p9byb5d  Jason's newsletter "Pacification": http://tinyurl.com/yeycjzj

Feb 28, 2024 • 48:32

Marian Tupy - Are We Better Off Than Before?

Alex speaks with Marian Tupy about the notion that human progress has increased quality of life worldwide for centuries, making today the greatest time to be alive in the history of human life (in spite of what you may have heard elsewhere). Episode Notes: - Marian's book "Superabundance: The Story of Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet" on Amazon Canada: https://a.co/d/boeFBP3  - Marian's profile and bio on the FEE website: https://fee.org/peop

Feb 21, 2024 • 59:04

Aeon Skoble - How Is Limiting Access to Information Harmful?

Sabine speaks with Aeon Skoble about the harms of limiting access to information, including book bans and why a better understanding of ideas we disagree with often strengthens rather than weakens our arguments in support of the ideas we endorse. Episode Notes: - “Free Speech and the Function of a University” Aeon J. Skoble https://vc.bridgew.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2081&context=br_rev  - A brief history of Hume’s works being banned: https://oll.libertyfund.org/publications/reading-

Feb 14, 2024 • 57:20

Eric Schliesser - Is Post-Liberalism Already Here?

Alex speaks with Eric Schliesser about the growing declarations of the end of liberalism and what this means for the socio-political future in general. Episode Notes: Eric Schliesser’s page at the University of Amsterdam https://www.uva.nl/en/profile/s/c/e.s.schliesser/e.s.schliesser.html#Publications  Kevin Vallier’s episode of this podcast discussing religious anti-liberalism: https://thecurioustask.podbean.com/e/197-kevin-vallier-what-are-the-new-religious-threats-to-liberalism/  Adrian Verme

Feb 7, 2024 • 1:12:42

Akiva Malamet and Mikayla Novak - How Do Markets Influence Gender?

Sabine speaks with Akiva Malamet and Mikayla Novak about the effects of market forces on gender as a social construct, the unlikely pairing of free markets and gender in an age of socialist feminist theory, and their recent co-authored article in Cosmos + Taxis. Episode Notes: "Gender as a Discovery Process: Social Construction, Markets, and Gender" Akiva Malamet and Mikayla Novak https://cosmosandtaxis.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/malamet_novak_ct_vol11_iss11_12_epub.pdf  Randall Holcombe on Spo

Jan 31, 2024 • 1:05:06

Ryan Thorpe - Is Journalism In Trouble?

Sabine Speaks with Ryan Thorpe about the state of Journalism in Canada and about how bills C-18, C-11 and government subsidies for journalism are compromising an industry necessary for democratic participation in an age when accountability is more important than ever.  Episode Notes: Ryan's page on the Winnipeg Free Press website: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/biographies/ryan-thorpe A primer on Canada's Bill C-18: https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/understanding-bill-c-18-canada-s-online-news

Jan 24, 2024 • 1:00:30

Tyler Cowen - Who Is The Greatest Economist Of All Time?

Matt speaks with Tyler Cowen about his recent book "GOAT: Who is the Greatest Economist of all Time and Why Does it Matter?", as they discuss the case for and against each of the top finalists, and the interactive AI features that Tyler has integrated into the book's online release. Episode Notes: The full book plus all interactive AI features can be found for free here: https://goatgreatesteconomistofalltime.ai/en

Jan 17, 2024 • 58:42

Matthew Mitchell and Peter Boettke - What Can We Learn From Estonia?

Alex speaks with Peter Boettke and Matthew Mitchell about their recent book co-authored with Konstantin Zhukov about the unusual rise of Estonia from the ashes of Stalinism to their current status as one of the freest nations on earth.  Episode Notes: The conversation focusses on the book "Road To Freedom" which can be read in its entirety here: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/road-to-freedom-estonias-rise-from-soviet-vassal-state-to-one-of-the-freest-nations-on-earth_0.pdf

Jan 10, 2024 • 1:23:57

Nick Cowen - Is Public Ignorance A Problem?

Alex speaks with Nick Cowen about democracy, markets, and his forthcoming article "Include The Ignorant" Episode Notes: - Jason Brennan "Against Democracy" https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691178493/against-democracy  - On the Compatibility of Epistocracy and Public Reason by Thomas Mulligan https://www.jstor.org/stable/24575740  - Hayek on Limited Democracy, Dictatorships, and the ‘Free’ Market: An Interview in Argentina, 1977 "Birsen Filip" https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1

Jan 3, 2024 • 58:14

Mike Munger - Can Classical Liberalism Be Saved?

Alex speaks with Mike Munger about the state of classical liberalism in an era in which conservatism seems intent on wielding the tools of central planning and the left prefers the term "progressive" to "liberal". Episode Notes: The Classical Liberal Diaspora by Mike Munger: https://t.co/xoRnPIUXXi  The Articles of Confederation: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Articles-of-Confederation  Preamble to the United States constitution: https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resour

Dec 27, 2023 • 56:12

Lauren Hall - Is Gender An Emergent Order?

Sabine speaks with Lauren K Hall, who defends the notion that feminism is an emergent order, and speaks about her recent special edition of Cosmos+Taxis. Episode Notes: All articles in the most recent edition of Cosmos+Taxis are linked here: https://cosmosandtaxis.org/current-issue/  Sarah Blaffer Hrdy "The Woman That Never Evolved": https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv1khdr6b Kimberle Crenshaw "Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctr

Dec 20, 2023 • 49:34

Clara Piano - Does Greater Economic Freedom Lead To More Babies?

Matt speaks with Clara Piano about the relationship between economic freedom, fertility, and the roles that modernization and increasing well-being for women have on the number of babies that are born in countries around the world. Episode Notes: "The Fertility Gap and Economic Freedom" by Clara Piano & Lyman Stone https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4564080  "The Fertility Benefits of Economic Freedom" by Clara E. Piano https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-fertility-benefits-of-ec

Dec 13, 2023 • 1:00:12

Sarah Skwire - Why Should Liberals Read Shakespeare?

Sabine speaks with Sarah Skwire about the fascinating world of Shakespeare and why there are so many lessons we can learn from a pre-enlightenment playwright about markets, politics, and the human condition.  Episode Notes: - Mike Huemer's Post on Shakespeare: https://fakenous.substack.com/p/why-i-hate-shakespeare  - "The Comedy of The Errors" https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/the-comedy-of-errors/read/#:~:text=Synopsis%3A,named%20Dromio%2C%20as%20their%20servants.  - Sarah on Sh

Dec 6, 2023 • 1:04:40

David Friedman - What Is Anarcho-Capitalism?

Alex speaks with David Friedman about defenses, definitions and critiques of Anarcho-Capitalism in David's work and in others'.  Episode Notes: - Summary of David's book "The Machinery of Freedom" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Machinery_of_Freedom  - Some of Ayn Rand's views on Libertarianism and Anarcho-Capitalism: http://aynrandlexicon.com/ayn-rand-ideas/ayn-rand-q-on-a-on-libertarianism.html  - Some of David's comments on his Father's views of his work can be found here: https://www.econl

Nov 29, 2023 • 1:03:32

Iain Murray - What Has Happened to Conservatism?

Matt speaks with Iain Murray about the estrangement of conservative liberalism from identitarian forms of conservative nationalism and the intriguing alliances that may arise in the future between freedom-loving libertarians and some unlikely allies.  Episode Notes: Iain's book "The Socialist Temptation" https://a.co/d/5AUQHQp  One of Iain's articles on the subject https://cei.org/blog/european-populism-is-nationalist-conservatism/  "Do Libertarians Have a Political Home Anymore?" by Iain Murray

Nov 22, 2023 • 59:19

Brad Lips - Is The Liberty Movement In Trouble?

Sabine speaks with Atlas Network's Brad Lips about what's in store for the liberty movement all over the world.  Episode Notes:  - The Atlas Network  https://www.atlasnetwork.org/who-we-are  - Brad's book "Liberalism and the Free Society in 2021" https://a.co/d/0Bcor8q  - The Free Market Foundation https://freemarketfoundation.com/  - Article summarizing Margaret Thatcher's relationship with Anthony Fisher https://philanthropydaily.com/margaret-thatcher-and-antony-fisher-free-markets-and-philant

Nov 15, 2023 • 1:10:46

Mark Mercer - What’s Wrong With Universities?

Matt speaks with Mark Mercer about academic freedom, the changing mission of universities themselves, and what role faculty, administrators, and students should play in shaping the future of the institution.  References: Mark’s Interview in C2C Journal: https://c2cjournal.ca/2023/05/confronting-the-post-academic-university-in-conversation-with-mark-mercer/   Peter March at St. Mary’s: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/students-protest-prof-who-posted-cartoons-1.623017  Kathleen Lowrey a

Nov 8, 2023 • 1:08:34

Cory Massimino - How Do We Abolish Prisons?

Alex speaks with Cory Massimino about the concept of prison abolition and how this position corresponds with natural rights theory and recent movements demanding the end of prisons as we know them.  Read some of Cory’s published and unpublished pieces on prison abolition here: thttp://corymassimino.com/tag/prison-abolition/

Nov 1, 2023 • 1:07:14

Seth Kaplan - Why Are Neighbourhoods Important?

Matt speaks with Seth Kaplan about his book Fragile Neighborhoods, and why a decision as simple as where we choose to live can often make the difference between lives of prosperity and lives of uncertainty and strife.  Seth's book can be ordered here: https://a.co/d/aqUzRny

Oct 25, 2023 • 1:05:12

Noah Schwartz - Does Canada Have A Gun Problem?

In March of 2023, Alex spoke with Noah Schwartz about gun control in Canada and how recent attempts to review firearms policy have failed to address root issues and the causes of violence and crime. References 1. “On Target: Gun Culture, Storytelling, and the NRA” by Noah Schwartz Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Target-Gun-Culture-Storytelling-NRA/dp/1487548443/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=  2. “Firearms Act, 1995” by Justice Laws Website Link: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/

Oct 18, 2023 • 59:45

Monica Guzman - How Can Curiosity Fix Polarization?

In April of 2023, Alex speaks with Monica Guzman about the need for curiosity as a remedy for the increasing polarization in American discourse and her recent book on the subject "I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times" Monica's book: https://a.co/d/j6xKME7

Oct 11, 2023 • 1:10:04

Kevin Vallier - Must Politics Be War?

In this conversation from January 2020, Alex Aragona speaks with Kevin Vallier about conflicts in politics and how ideology aggravates them, and whether liberal institutions can help us trust each other more. References from Episode 26 with Kevin Vallier: You can purchase Kevin Vallier’s book Must Politics be War here You can purchase the book Polarization: What Everyone Needs to Know here You can purchase From Politics to the Pews here

Oct 4, 2023 • 1:05:18

Jayme Lemke - Who Was Elinor Ostrom?

Alex speaks with Jayme Lemke about the life, work, and legacy of American Nobel Prize-winning political economist Elinor Ostrom. References 1. “Elinor Ostrum and the Bloomington School: Building a New Approach to Policy and Social Sciences” by Jayme Lemke and Vlad Tarko Link: https://www.amazon.com/Elinor-Ostrom-Bloomington-School-Building/dp/0228004152  2. Elinor Ostrum Publications  Link: https://ostromworkshop.indiana.edu/library/bibliographies/ostrom-elinor.html  3. Elinor Ostrum Fellowship,

Sep 27, 2023 • 1:08:43

Alex Aragona - 200th Episode Celebration

Sabine interviews our regular host Alex Aragona as they discuss the first 200 episodes of The Curious Task. References 1. Camden Hutchison’s episode “Why Restrict Freedom of Expression” of The Curious Task podcast Link: https://thecurioustask.podbean.com/?s=hutchison  2. Sigal Ben-Porath’s episode “How Can Speech Be Protected on Campus” of The Curious Task podcast Link: https://thecurioustask.podbean.com/e/ep-11-sigal-ben-porath-%e2%80%94-how-can-speech-be-protected-on-campus/  3. Jacob Levy’s e

Sep 20, 2023 • 1:13:18

Nathan Goodman - What Does Immigration Have To Do With Climate Change

Alex speaks with Nathan Goodman about the implications of Climate Change for immigration policy and how coercion and polycentricity factor into that conversation. References:  - Adapting to Climate Change through Migration: Justus Enninga and Nathan Goodman https://www.thecgo.org/research/adapting-to-climate-change-through-migration/  - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Summary for Policy Makers https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/chapter/summary-for-policymakers/#:~:text=Climate%20change

Sep 13, 2023 • 1:01:16

Paige MacPherson - What Does School Choice Look Like?

In August of 2022, Alex spoke with Paige MacPherson about school choice - and the lack thereof - in each of Canada's provinces. References 1. Paige’s articles, The Fraser Institute Link: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/profile/paige-macpherson  2. Paige’s Blog Link: https://www.paigetmacpherson.com/blog  3. “Public, private, and charter schools: How they compare” by Understood Link: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/public-private-and-charter-schools-how-they-compare  4. “Explore: The Canad

Sep 6, 2023 • 1:11:58

Peter Jaworski - What Is Libertarianism?

Alex Aragona speaks with Peter Jaworski as he explores his definition of libertarianism, and how different kinds of morality can lead to certain conclusions about libertarian institutions. References Peter Jaworski is the co-author of the book, Markets without Limits: Moral Virtues and Commercial Interests, which is available for purchase on Amazon Canada at this link. Peter mentions B. van der Vossen’s article on self-ownership published on Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, which can be read

Aug 30, 2023 • 1:01:58

Tony Gill - Why Do We Tip?

Alex speaks with Tony Gill about the curious practice of tipping and why despite all our groaning, it may just be a habit worth defending. Further Reading (some more of Tony Gill's writings on the subject): https://www.polisci.washington.edu/news/2019/03/18/tony-gill-tipping http://journal.apee.org/index.php/2018_Journal_of_Private_Enterprise_Vol_33_No_1_Spring_parte6  https://www.aier.org/article/in-defense-of-tipping-part-ii-price-discrimination/  https://www.econtalk.org/anthony-gill-on-tippi

Aug 23, 2023 • 51:24

Kevin Vallier - What Are The New Religious Threats To Liberalism?

Alex speaks with Kevin Vallier about his new book "All The Kingdoms Of The World", in which he takes a global view of anti-liberal integralist strands in political thought and warns of the consequences of following them toward a rejection of liberal freedom and democracy.  Episode Notes: The conversation focuses primarily on Kevin’s book:https://www.kevinvallier.com/books/all-the-kingdoms-of-the-world-radical-religious-alternatives-liberalism/  Introduction to Catholic Political Integralism: h

Aug 16, 2023 • 1:09:24

Stefanie Haeffele - Can We Live Better Together?

Alex speaks with Stefanie Haeffele about her recent book Living Better Together, which explores the work of Elinor Ostrom and Viviana Zelizer.  Episode Notes: "Living Better Together" by Stefanie Haeffele and Virgil Henry Storr: https://a.co/d/hJNCxw6  Viviana Zelizer's homepage at Princeton: https://sociology.princeton.edu/people/viviana-zelizer  Elinor Ostrom's bio and short autobiography on the Nobel website: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economic-sciences/2009/ostrom/facts/  Nonneutralit

Aug 9, 2023 • 41:08

Scott Scheall - How Are Carl and Karl Menger Important For Liberalism?

Alex speaks with Scott Scheall about Carl and Karl Menger and their influence on the history of economics, liberal theory, and - yes - mathematics.    Further Reading: "Karl Menger as Son of Carl Menger" - Scott Scheall & Reinhard Schumacher https://philarchive.org/rec/SCHKMA-4  Econlib Biography of elder Menger: https://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/bios/Menger.html  1871. Principles of Economics. Translated by J. Dingwall and B. F. Hoselitz, with an introduction by Friedrich A. Hayek. New Yo

Aug 2, 2023 • 1:03:05

Jason Lee Byas - How Should We Deal With Historic Injustice?

Alex speaks with Jason Lee Byas about the complexities of responding to questions of historic injustice, reparations, and compensation within a libertarian framework.  Originally Aired as Episode 140 on Wednesday May 04, 2022  References 1. Articles by Jason Lee Byas, Center for a Stateless Society  Link: https://c4ss.org/content/author/jason-byas  2. “Rectification and Historic Injustice” by Jason Lee Byas Link: https://philpapers.org/archive/BYARAH.pdf  3. “A Black Commons: A Framework for R

Jul 26, 2023 • 1:04:48

Nigel Ashford - Can We Change The World For Liberty?

Alex speaks with Nigel Ashford about the prospects for a freer world and how the memory of history, the hope of younger persons, and the teaching of ideas can shape the future of classical liberalism.    Further Reading: https://libertarianism.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/socin003.pdf Chapter 2 of this book: https://iea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Blundell-interactive.pdf https://fee.org/articles/the-tide-in-the-affairs-of-men/ https://cdn.mises.org/Intellectuals%20and%20Socialism_4.p

Jul 19, 2023 • 54:02

Jake Monaghan - Is Just Policing Possible?

Alex speaks with Jake Monaghan about ideal vs. ideal theory approaches to policing, the history and function of the police as an institution, and how to respond to police abolitionists.  Episode Notes Jake's book - the subject of the conversation - can be purchased here: https://a.co/d/ewVS0h9  References are made to G. A. Cohen's Why Not Socialism, which can be read here: https://www3.nd.edu/~pweithma/Readings/Cohen,%20Gerald/Cohen,%20G%20(Why%20not%20Socialism).pdf  ... and to "The Dispossesse

Jul 12, 2023 • 1:09:12

Trevor Burrus - What Is The Statrix?

Alex speaks with Trevour Burrus about his concept of the Statrix and why the solution to every problem should not be more government programs, intervention and restriction.  Episode Notes: Introductory YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eavx1ZVVyzM    Seeing the Statrix: Invisible and Omnipresent by Trevor Burrus: https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/articles/burrus-cap-research-center-10-18-2018.pdf    The Boris Yeltsin Grocery Store Visit: https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/ba

Jul 5, 2023 • 1:06:14

Camden Hutchison - Why Restrict Freedom of Expression?

Alex speaks with Camden Hutchison about the nuances of freedom of expression laws in Canada and the United States, and the ways in which immature understandings of free speech can obfuscate the public discourse surrounding this fundamental right in North American law and politics.    Episode Notes   Freedom of Expression: Values and Harms - Camden Hutchison https://albertalawreview.com/index.php/ALR/article/view/2733    Guide to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Including Freedom of E

Jun 28, 2023 • 1:07:31

Pete Boettke - Is Hayek Still Relevant?

Alex speaks with Pete Boettke about the relevancy of Friedrich Hayek in the contemporary context, what it means to be a "Hayekian" and the curious tale of how Hayek came to be the focus of his latest book "F. A. Hayek: Economics, Political Economy and Social Philosophy" Episode Notes Pete’s book “F. A. Hayek: Economics, Political Economy and Social Philosophy“ https://a.co/d/ah7SpwW  Hayek on The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/friedrich-hayek/  Introductio

Jun 21, 2023 • 1:05:56

Darwyyn Deyo - How Does Occupational Licensing Increase Barriers for Workers?

Alex speaks with Darwynn Deyo about the many ways in which occupational licensing can in fact reduce efficiency in the workforce, make it harder for people to cross borders, and ultimately reduce economic mobility for already disadvantaged groups.    Episode Notes and Further Reading:   License To Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing (2022) https://ij.org/report/license-to-work-3/    Policy Brief: Licensing Barriers for Women in the Workforce - Dr. Darwyyn Deyo (2022) ht

Jun 14, 2023 • 48:16

Fiona Harrigan - How Does Immigration Make Us Freer?

Alex speaks with Fiona Harrigan about the state of immigration in the United States and elsewhere, and the ways in which "outsiders" make "insiders" better off - both instrumentally and categorically.  Episode Notes: The Government Is Turning Border Surveillance on Everyday Americans by Fiona Harrigan https://reason.com/2023/03/28/the-government-is-turning-border-surveillance-on-everyday-americans/   Cutting Legal Immigration Won’t Help Low‐​Skilled American Workers By Alex Nowrasteh https://www

Jun 7, 2023 • 37:38

James Harrigan - What’s Wrong With Utopias?

What's the harm in dreaming big? Significant, James Harrigan believes. Alex and James discuss the many ways in which Utopian theory has led to disaster in practice - From Plato to Lenin and into the present day.  Episode Notes: Keynes on Eugenics, Race, and Population Control https://mises.org/wire/keynes-eugenics-race-and-population-control  Phillip W. Magness, James R. Harrigan; John Maynard Keynes, H. G. Wells, and a Problematic Utopia. History of Political Economy 1 April 2020; 52 (2): 211–2

May 31, 2023 • 42:24

Daniel Weinstock - Should Adolescents Vote?

Daniel Weinstock makes the case for lowering the voting age and extending the right to vote to teens who have much more in common with the general voting public than we may think. Episode Notes: Daniel Weinstock - “What’s So Funny about Voting Rights for Children?”, in Georgetown Journal of Law and Public Policy, vol. 18, no. 2 (2021), pp. 751 – 771. https://www.law.georgetown.edu/public-policy-journal/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2021/09/Weinstock.pdf  Kant’s views on voting rights and the “und

May 24, 2023 • 58:00

Jacob Levy - Is Liberalism Neutral?

Alex speaks with Professor Jacob Levy about the concept of neutrality within the history of liberalism and how many historical thinkers have approached the subject within that tradition.  Episode Notes: Michael Oakeshott on “adverbial rules” https://lawliberty.org/forum/michael-oakeshott-on-the-rule-of-law-and-the-liberal-order/  John Locke’s religious beliefs https://rb.gy/1yg43  Heresy of Americanism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americanism_(heresy)  Deirdre McCloskey’s Bourgeois Virtues Thes

May 17, 2023 • 53:50

Aurelian Craiutu - Why Not Moderation?

Alex speaks with Aurelian Craiutu about the importance of moderation when it comes to virtue, political discourse, and the balancing of extremes in a world full of radicals.    Episode Notes:    Aurelian Craiutu - Why Not Moderation? Letters to Young Radicals https://a.co/d/1LVcadG Aurelian Craiutu - Faces of Moderation: The Art of Balance in an Age of Extremes  https://a.co/d/6cVwv5F  Thomas Osborne - Moderation as Government: Montesquieu and the Divisibility of Power  https://www.tandfonline.c

May 10, 2023 • 1:02:43

Jason Kuznicki - Why Is It So Hard To Think About Freedom?

Alex speaks with Jason Kuznicki about the societal tendency towards stagnation - and away from liberalism - and its roots in some of the earliest human civilizations.  References 1. “Technology and the End of Authority: What Is Government For?” by Jason Kuznicki Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Technology-End-Authority-What-Government/dp/3319486918  2. Jason’s previous episode “What Is Government For?” on The Curious Task  Link: https://thecurioustask.podbean.com/e/ep-12-jason-kuznicki-%e2%80%94-what

May 3, 2023 • 59:28

Monica Guzman - How Can Curiosity Fix Polarization?

Alex speaks with Monica Guzman about the need for curiosity as a remedy for the increasing polarization in American discourse and her recent book on the subject "I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times" Monica's book: https://a.co/d/j6xKME7

Apr 26, 2023 • 1:06:06

Nolan Gray - Do We Need Zoning?

Alex and Nolan discuss a novel solution to many of the difficult issues surrounding housing in North America: the elimination of zoning laws. Further Reading and References: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/06/zoning-housing-affordability-nimby-parking-houston/661289/ https://reason.com/2022/06/21/abolish-zoning-all-of-it/ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-04/how-houston-s-zoning-can-help-hurricane-harvey-recovery https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-26

Apr 19, 2023 • 59:51

Mike Munger - What Is The Difference Between Directionalism and Destinationism?

Alex and Mike Munger discuss two strains of thought within the liberty movement - one concerned with philosophical purity and cohesion, the other with advancement towards a common ideal of greater freedom for all.  Episode Notes: Mike's article "The Right Kind of Nothing": https://www.chronicle.com/article/the-right-kind-of-nothing/ An introduction to Coasian bargaining: http://www.ejolt.org/2015/09/coasian-bargaining-2/  The Piece commissioned by Leonard Read by Milton Friedman and George Stigl

Apr 12, 2023 • 50:32

Dennis Rasmussen - Who Wrote The American Constitution?

Alex and Dennis discuss the very colorful character who, unbeknownst to many, wrote the American Constitution.  Episode Notes: Dennis' book "The Constitution's Penman" https://a.co/d/iKnulei  The American Constitution https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript The Federalist Papers https://www.congress.gov/resources/display/content/The+Federalist+Papers Roosevelt's biography of Morris bit.ly/3zEEVlU Gouverneur Morris' speech on the franchise for slaves:  https://www.blackpast

Apr 5, 2023 • 58:28

Sabine El-Chidiac - How Is Classical Liberalism Doing In Canada?

Alex and Sabine speak about the state of classical liberalism in terms of individual rights and economic freedom in Canada today. Works referenced: Hayek's "Why I Am Not A Conservative": https://press.uchicago.edu/books/excerpt/2011/hayek_constitution.html

Mar 29, 2023 • 1:00:44

Noah Schwartz - Does Canada Have A Gun Problem?

Alex speaks with Noah Schwartz about gun control in Canada and how recent attempts to review firearms policy have failed to address root issues and the causes of violence and crime. References 1. “On Target: Gun Culture, Storytelling, and the NRA” by Noah Schwartz Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Target-Gun-Culture-Storytelling-NRA/dp/1487548443/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=  2. “Firearms Act, 1995” by Justice Laws Website Link: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/f-11.6/

Mar 22, 2023 • 53:46

Liya Palagashvili - What Is The State Of The Gig Economy?

Alex speaks with Liya Palagashvili about the state - and the meaning - of the gig economy and how history can show the not-so-novel nature of modern labour. References 1. Liya’s articles, The Mercatus Center Link: https://www.mercatus.org/scholars/liya-palagashvili?utm_source=ad_link&utm_medium=google&utm_campaign=scholar_branding&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgJa6BhCOARIsAMiL7V_UHKSWyzs0ydt2lCaeIHXRbhZXVi_aQuJgZo1Wo_T-Ijxa6Esw8DEaAg-REALw_wcB  2. Liya’s Substack Link: https://liyap

Mar 15, 2023 • 1:00:26

Jay Goldberg - Does Canada Have A Censorship Problem?

Alex speaks with Jay Goldberg about Canada's Bill C-11 and the implications of the government's attempt to change what Canadians see on the internet. References 1. “Bill C-11: An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts” by the Government of Canada Link: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/pl/charter-charte/c11_2.html  2. Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Website Link: https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/home-accueil.htm  3.

Mar 8, 2023 • 58:54

Bryan Caplan — What’s a University Degree Worth?

As the university school year begins to wrap up, we're bringing back a classic episode of the Curious Task! Alex Aragona speaks with Bryan Caplan about the value of a formal education, and compares the alleged benefits against the reality. References from The Curious Task Special Episode 15 with Bryan Caplan You can purchase Bryan Caplan’s New York Times best-seller, The Myth of the Rational Voter from Amazon Canada at this link. His other publications include Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids (

Mar 1, 2023 • 1:01:10

Neil Boyd - Does Drug Decriminalization Work?

Alex speaks with Neil Boyd about the effects of drug decriminalization and legalization in Canada and around the world, and how regulation and criminalization can have positive or negative impacts on users of various substances and the communities around them. References 1. “Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, 1996” by the Justice Laws Website Link: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-38.8/  2. “Cannabis Act, 2018” by Justice Laws Website  Link: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c

Feb 22, 2023 • 37:19

Vincent Geloso - What Effects Income Mobility?

Alex speaks with Vincent Geloso about income mobility, distinguishing it from income inequality and the effects of markets and government regulations on each.  References 1. Vincent’s Articles Link: https://vincentgeloso.com/publications/  2. Vincent’s previous episode “Should We Care About Inequality?” on The Curious Task podcast Link: https://thecurioustask.podbean.com/e/ep-28-vincent-geloso-%e2%80%94-should-we-care-about-inequality/  3. “Growth is Good for the Poor” by David Dollar and Aart K

Feb 15, 2023 • 1:08:40

David D’Amato - Should Intellectual Property Be Part Of A Free Society?

Alex speaks with David D'Amato about the modern concept of intellectual property and how such a thing could exist at all in a free society.  References: Copying is not theft cartoon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeTybKL1pM4

Feb 8, 2023 • 1:02:14

Jeremy Horpedahl - Why Do Baptists Need Bootleggers?

Alex speaks with Jeremy Horpedahl about the unusual political alliance between Baptists and Bootleggers - both figuratively and literally - and what these ties can tell us about public choice economics.   Sources Referenced: Horpedahl, Jeremy. "Bootleggers and Baptists Revisited: A Reply to Critics." Journal of Law and Economics, vol. 62, no. 2, Oct. 2019, pp. 557-576. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/26546700. Regulation (Cato Institute Journal) Spring 2021 issue "Not So Unlikely Coalitions" article

Feb 1, 2023 • 52:06

Scott Beyer - What Does Urbanism Look Like Around The World?

Alex speaks with Scott Beyer about the insights he's gleaned from travelling the world in search of the most market-friendly urban centers and what other countries can teach us about central planning, solutions to homelessness, and more.  References 1. The Market Urbanist Website Link: https://www.marketurbanist.com/  2. Scott’s previous episode “What Is Market Urbanism?” on The Curious Task podcast Link: https://thecurioustask.podbean.com/e/ep-33-scott-beyer-%e2%80%94-what-is-market-urbanism/

Jan 25, 2023 • 55:08

Brandon Turner - What Is Conservatism?

Alex speaks with Brandon Turner about the nature of conservatism and whether or not it constitutes an ideology, the rate of change within conservative thought, and the relationship between conservatism and liberalism. References 1. “Conservatism, Ideology, Skepticism” by Brandon Turner Link: https://digital.sandiego.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1048&context=jcli  2. “The Conservative Sensibility” by George F. Will  Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Conservative-Sensibility-George-F-Will/dp/0316

Jan 18, 2023 • 1:05:00

Rachel Lomasky - Can A.I. Be Ethical?

Alex speaks with Rachel Lomasky about hot-button issues surrounding machine learning and artificial intelligence and the limitations and definitions of each, especially when it comes to ethical decision-making.

Jan 11, 2023 • 56:34

Geoff Sigalet - What Is The Alberta Sovereignty Act?

Alex speaks with Geoff Sigalet about Western Alienation and the events that led to the Alberta Sovereignty Act becoming law in Canada in December of 2022.

Jan 4, 2023 • 53:44

Russ Roberts — How Can Adam Smith Change Your Life?

As you think about your New Year's resolutions, take another listen to Alex's conversation from May 2020 with Russ Roberts as he talks about the ways in which the ideas of Adam Smith can still change your life, even so many years later.   References from The Curious Task Special Episode 14 with Russ Roberts  You can purchase Russ Roberts’ book How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life at Amazon Canada here You can read the Theory of Moral Sentiments for free on the Online Library of Liberty here

Dec 28, 2022 • 54:35

2022 Holiday Wrap-up Episode

Alex, Sabine and Matt reflect on the year that was 2022.

Dec 21, 2022 • 1:06:24

Lauren Hall — What’s Wrong With Modern Healthcare?

In their conversation from December 2019, Alex Aragona talks with Lauren Hall as she explores the problems with modern healthcare systems and some of the possible remedies.

Dec 14, 2022 • 1:01:42

Matt Bufton - How Do We Feel About The Monarchy?

Alex speaks with Matt Bufton about Canada's unique approach to power, monarchy, and government and how happy accidents have led to one of the best-governed and most free countries on earth being ruled by a King - at least symbolically.

Dec 7, 2022 • 1:06:04

Peter Jaworski - What Is The Ought-State Gap?

Alex speaks with frequent guest Peter Jaworski about the gap between a moral obligation and the expectation that some specific institution ought to be the one to realize that moral obligation - especially an institution like the state.

Nov 30, 2022 • 53:44

Christy Horpedahl - How Can Books Advance Liberal Society?

Sabine speaks with Christy Horpedahl about the entrepreneurial spirit that imbues Penelope Fitzgerald's "The Bookshop".

Nov 23, 2022 • 1:08:38

Alex Aragona - What Is Classical Liberalism (According To Our Host)?

Sabine speaks with the host of the Curious Task Alex Aragona to find out more about him, especially what he considers classical liberalism to be in its essence.

Nov 16, 2022 • 1:28:56

Jayme Lemke - Who Was Elinor Ostrom?

Alex speaks with Jayme Lemke about the life, work, and legacy of American Nobel Prize-winning political economist Elinor Ostrom.  References 1. “Elinor Ostrum and the Bloomington School: Building a New Approach to Policy and Social Sciences” by Jayme Lemke and Vlad Tarko Link: https://www.amazon.com/Elinor-Ostrom-Bloomington-School-Building/dp/0228004152  2. Elinor Ostrum Publications  Link: https://ostromworkshop.indiana.edu/library/bibliographies/ostrom-elinor.html  3. Elinor Ostrum Fellowship

Nov 9, 2022 • 1:08:04

Thomas Bunting - What Can Baseball Tell Us About Politics?

Alex speaks with Thomas Bunting about politics, democracy, social progress and more as they relate to baseball and athletics more broadly.

Nov 2, 2022 • 44:44

Edward Slingerland - How Has Alcohol Influenced Civilization?

Alex speaks with Edward Slingerland about the dance that most civilizations have done with alcohol and the delicate balance between worshipping its creative effects and fearing its dangerous consequences.

Oct 26, 2022 • 54:12

Scott Scheall - Why Is Spontaneity Important For Liberalism?

Alex speaks with Scott Scheall about the importance of spontaneity for liberalism.

Oct 19, 2022 • 1:00:16

Claudia Williamson - Does Culture Effect Economic Progress?

Alex speaks with Claudia Williamson about what economists mean by culture and how individualism and other elements of culture can effect the economic progress of nations, peoples and groups.

Oct 12, 2022 • 48:49

Rosemarie Fike - How Does Inequality Effect Women’s Wellbeing?

Sabine speaks with Rosemarie Fike about the relationship between women's rights and economic freedom and the disparities that persist in contemporary economies around the world.

Oct 5, 2022 • 1:02:26

John Wood Jr. - Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Sabine speaks with John Wood Jr. about political polarization in America and its effects on democracy, civil rights and activism today.

Sep 28, 2022 • 1:06:48

Brent Orrell - How Can We Flourish At Work?

Sabine speaks with Brent Orrell about the current challenges facing the workforce and labour market in America and abroad today.

Sep 21, 2022 • 1:00:06

Rachel Davison Humphries - What Is Education For A Free Society?

Sabine speaks with Rachel Davison Humphries about various schools of thought in the study of education and how they may offer alternatives to learning more compatible with a free society.

Sep 14, 2022 • 1:15:00

Sarah Skwire - Can Literature Influence Liberalism?

Sabine speaks with Sarah Skwire about the role of liberalism in literature and ways in which all forms of literature can influence our ideas about markets, trust, and the value of others.

Sep 7, 2022 • 1:06:12

Paige MacPherson - What Does School Choice Look Like?

Alex speaks with Paige MacPherson about school choice - and the lack thereof - in each of Canada's provinces today.  References 1. Paige’s articles, The Fraser Institute Link: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/profile/paige-macpherson  2. Paige’s Blog Link: https://www.paigetmacpherson.com/blog  3. “Public, private, and charter schools: How they compare” by Understood Link: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/public-private-and-charter-schools-how-they-compare  4. “Explore: The Canadian educati

Aug 31, 2022 • 1:08:52

Emily Chamlee-Wright - Why Work To Advance Liberalism?

Alex speaks with Emily Chamlee-Wright about what exactly liberalism is and why it is worth defending in a world that can no longer take it for granted.

Aug 24, 2022 • 1:13:54

Chris Freiman - Why Not Anarchism?

Alex speaks with Chris Freiman about ideal theory and the case for no state being the best state in a perfect world.

Aug 17, 2022 • 49:31

Lauren Hall - How Do Libertarians Approach The Family?

Alex speaks with Lauren Hall about the unique approach that libertarians and classical liberals take when it comes to questions of consent, rights, and agency with respect to family and children.

Aug 10, 2022 • 1:04:12

Moin Yahya - What Is Inflation Really?

Alex speaks with Moin Yahya about debates both new and old surrounding the causes and history of inflation.

Aug 3, 2022 • 59:24

Jen Dirmeyer - What Do Markets Do For Us?

Alex Aragona speaks with Jen Dirmeyer as she explores what markets do for us and the different ways they impact our lives. References 1. “The Use of Knowledge in Society” by Freidrich August von Hayek Link: https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/articles/hayek-use-knowledge-society.pdf

Jul 27, 2022 • 1:08:10

Graeme Thompson - What Is Canadian Liberalism?

Alex Aragona speaks with Graeme Thompson about the classical liberal tradition in Canada, and what the evolution of that tradition has looked like.  References A collection of the speeches of Wilfred Laurier can be found in an edited edition by Arthur Milnes, available from Amazon here. Macdonald Laurier and the Election of 1891 by Christopher Pennington can be found from Penguin House here. Graeme Thompson’s piece “Whatever Happened to Laurier” can be found in the National Post here. Graeme men

Jul 20, 2022 • 1:04:08

Peter Jaworski — What Is Libertarianism?

Alex Aragona speaks with Peter Jaworski as he explores his definition of libertarianism, and how different kinds of morality can lead to certain conclusions about libertarian institutions. References Peter Jaworski is the co-author of the book, Markets without Limits: Moral Virtues and Commercial Interests, which is available for purchase on Amazon Canada at this link. Peter mentions B. van der Vossen’s article on self-ownership published on Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, which can be read

Jul 13, 2022 • 1:01:40

Janet Bufton - Are Libertarians Liberals?

Alex Aragona speaks with Janet Bufton as she explores where and how the tenets of classical liberalism come into play for those who call themselves libertarians. References from The Curious Task Special Episode 9 with Janet Bufton Janet Bufton manages the Liberal Studies Guides project and is a consultant at Adam Smith Works, whose websites have been hyperlinked. You can read more about Adam Smith’s thoughts on a system of natural liberty, the rules of commercial society, and the decisions peopl

Jul 6, 2022 • 1:11:02

Jacob Levy — What Is Academic Freedom?

As we shift into our break, our first special episode is one of our recent favourites, Alex's chat with McGill University professor Jacob Levy about how he looks at the issue of academic freedom.   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/0198297122  3. Jacob Levy's Episodes o

Jun 29, 2022 • 59:06

Eric Mack - Why Read Anarchy, State and Utopia? (Part Two)

Alex speaks again with philosopher Eric Mack about "Anarchy, State and Utopia", this time touching on some of the challenges to Nozick's theory and Eric's own personal connection to Robert Nozick during his life. References 1. Part 1 of Eric Mack’s The Curious Task Episode on “Why Read Anarchy, State, and Utopia?” Link: https://thecurioustask.podbean.com/e/ep-145-eric-mack-why-read-anarchy-state-and-utopia/  2. Eric Mack’s Previous Episode “Why Not Socialism?” on the Curious Task Podcast Link: h

Jun 22, 2022 • 50:24

Eric Mack - Why Read Anarchy, State and Utopia?

Alex speaks with Philosopher Eric Mack about Robert Nozick's "Anarchy State and Utopia" and how the book shaped the conversation around natural rights theory, philosophical libertarianism, and the study of political utopias for decades to come. References 1. Eric Mack’s Previous Episode “Why Not Socialism?” on the Curious Task Podcast Link: https://thecurioustask.podbean.com/e/ep-7-eric-mack-%e2%80%94-why-not-socialism/  2. “Anarchy, State, and Utopia” by Robert Nozick Link: https://www.amazon.c

Jun 15, 2022 • 54:06

Abigail Hall - How Does Government Propaganda Manufacture Militarism?

Alex speaks with Abigail Hall about propaganda - an elusive and at times far-reaching concept that can be found everywhere: from overt wartime speeches by presidents to covert uses of sports and film to promote the ends of state militarism. References 1. “Manufacturing Militarism: U.S. Government Propaganda in the War on Terror” by Christopher J. Coyne and Abigail R. Hall Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Manufacturing-Militarism-Government-Propaganda-Terror/dp/1503628361  2. “Tyranny Comes Home: The

Jun 8, 2022 • 1:01:38

Kevin Munger - Why Do Baby Boomers Still Dominate Politics and Culture?

Alex speaks with Kevin Munger about why the oft-parodied and dismissed subject of inter-generational conflict may help us to better understand current economic and policy trends in America and abroad. References 1. “Generation Gap: Why the Baby Boomers Still Dominate American Politics and Culture” by Kevin Munger Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Generation-Gap-Dominate-American-Politics/dp/B08ZK7YV47

Jun 1, 2022 • 54:02

Stephen Davies — What is Global Catastrophic Risk?

Due to Ottawa's electricity grids being all but completely destroyed after the city was treated to a derecho over the long weekend, we were unable to use our devices to produce episodes or the internet to upload a new one. For now, please enjoy a timely re-release of our conversation with Stephen Davies on global catastrophic risk. References 1. “Empiricism and History” by Stephen Davies Link: https://www.amazon.com/Empiricism-History-Theory-Stephen-Davies/dp/0333964705  2. “A Dictionary of Cons

May 25, 2022 • 1:08:14

Deirdre McCloskey - Why Does Liberalism Work?

Alex speaks with Deirdre McCloskey in a wide-ranging conversation that addresses the economic, philosophical, and political reasons why liberalism just works.  References 1. “Why Liberalism Works: How True Liberal Values Produce a Freer, More Equal, Prosperous World for All” by Dierdre Nansen McCloskey  Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Why-Liberalism-Works-Liberal-Prosperous/dp/0300235089  2. “The Bourgeois Virtues: Ethics for an Age of Commerce” by Dierdre Nansen McCloskey Link: https://www.amazon.c

May 18, 2022 • 1:04:54

Dwight Newman - How Can We Maintain The Rule Of Law In An Emergency?

Alex speaks with Dwight Newman, who encourages listeners to think critically about the use of emergency powers, the term "crisis", and recent events in the history of government limits on freedom and rights. References 1. “The Duty to Consult: New Relationships with Aboriginal Peoples” by Dwight G. Newman Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Duty-Consult-Relationships-Aboriginal-Peoples/dp/1895830370  2. “The Law of Canadian Constitution, 2nd Edition” by Guy Regimbald and Dwight Newman Link: https://stor

May 11, 2022 • 58:20

Jason Lee Byas - How Should We Deal With Historic Injustice?

Alex speaks with Jason Lee Byas about the complexities of responding to questions of historic injustice, reparations, and compensation within a libertarian framework.  References 1. Articles by Jason Lee Byas, Center for a Stateless Society  Link: https://c4ss.org/content/author/jason-byas  2. “Rectification and Historic Injustice” by Jason Lee Byas Link: https://philpapers.org/archive/BYARAH.pdf  3. “A Black Commons: A Framework for Recognition, Reconciliation, and Reparations” by Julian Agyema

May 4, 2022 • 1:04:54

David Friedman - What Does Law Have To Do With Economics?

Alex speaks with David Friedman about the history of legal systems around the world from an economic standpoint. References 1. “The Machinery of Freedom: Guide to Radical Capitalism” by David D. Friedman Link: http://www.daviddfriedman.com/The_Machinery_of_Freedom_.pdf  2. “Law’s Order: What Economics Has to Do with Law and Why It Matters” by David D. Friedman Link: http://www.daviddfriedman.com/Laws_Order_draft/laws_order_ToC.htm  3. “Who Is David Ricardo and What Is He Famous For?” by the Inve

Apr 27, 2022 • 57:29

Ryan Patrick Hanley - What Is Our Great Purpose?

Alex speaks with Ryan Patrick Hanley about the enduring power of Adam Smith's contributions to not only political and moral philosophy, but to what it means to live a good life.  References 1. “Adam Smith and the Character of Virtue” by Ryan Patrick Hanley  Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Smith-Character-Virtue-Patrick-Hanley/dp/0521449294  2. “Adam Smith: His Life, Though, and Legacy” by Ryan Patrick Hanley Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Adam-Smith-Life-Thought-Legacy/dp/0691154058  3. “The Theory of

Apr 20, 2022 • 57:26

Jacob Levy - What Is Academic Freedom?

Alex speaks with Jacob Levy about the fine line between the generalized right to free speech and the distinct concept of academic freedom - and what implications there may be for academics and students alike in today's modern university.  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/

Apr 13, 2022 • 58:48

Russ Roberts - What’s Wrong With Education?

Alex speaks with Russ Roberts about the nature of education and how we should rethink it in today's world. This is a special episode being released in conjunction with this week's episode of Econtalk.  References 1. The Center for Experiential Learning at Washington University Link: https://olin.wustl.edu/student-resources/center-for-experiential-learning.php#:~:text=The%20Center%20for%20Experiential%20Learning,Driven%E2%84%A2%20practice%20and%20application.  2. EconTalk Podcast Link: https://si

Apr 11, 2022 • 1:03:14

Aaron Powell - Is Fusionism Dead?

Alex speaks with Aaron Powell about the origins of fusionism, where it stands today, and why non-traditional alliances might be the way of the future.  References 1. Free Thoughts Podcast  Link: https://www.libertarianism.org/podcasts/free-thoughts  2. ReImagining Liberty Podcast Link: https://www.reimaginingliberty.com/podcast/  3. “After protests, Disney CEO speaks out against ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill” by Elizabeth Blair Link: https://www.npr.org/2022/03/08/1085130633/disney-response-florida-bill-

Apr 6, 2022 • 56:42

Sabine El-Chidiac and Peter Jaworski - Does Immigration Make A Better World?

Alex speaks with Sabine El-Chidiac and Peter Jaworski about the advantages of advocating for more refugees and immigrants in Canada, and how it makes both immigrants and receiving countries better off.  References 1. Institute for Liberal Studies  Link: https://www.liberalstudies.ca/

Mar 30, 2022 • 1:05:29

Charles Cockell - Why Is Freedom Important Beyond Earth?

Alex speaks with Charles Cockell about his focus on the future of liberty in space. They discuss solutions for protecting individual freedoms and rights on settlements beyond earth, and the novel solutions to the problems that would emerge from these overlooked facts of life in space. References 1. “The Meaning of Liberty Beyond Earth” by Charles S. Cockell Link: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Liberty-Beyond-Earth-Society/dp/3319095668  2. Earth and Space Foundation Link: https://www.earthandspa

Mar 23, 2022 • 54:38

Pete Boettke — Is a Better World Possible?

Economist Pete Boettke joins Alex to discuss the promise of liberalism in creating a better world. (This episode originally aired Aug 21, 2021.) References 1. “The Struggle for a Better World” by Pete Boettke Link: https://www.amazon.com/Struggle-Better-World-Peter-Boettke/dp/1942951876  2. “Hayek on the Role of Reason in Human Affairs” by Intercollegiate Studies Institute Link: https://isi.org/hayek-on-the-role-of-reason-in-human-affairs/#:~:text=Hayek's%20argument%20is%20primarily%20directed,s

Mar 16, 2022 • 1:16:21

Matt Bufton - What Is The Future Of Liberalism From 2022?

Alex speaks with Matt Bufton about the effects of pandemic policy, impending war and populism on a once-optimistic outlook for liberalism's future. References 1. Institute for Liberal Studies  Link: https://www.liberalstudies.ca/ 2. “What is the Future of Liberalism” The Curious Task Episode with Matt Bufton Link: https://thecurioustask.podbean.com/e/ep-22-matt-bufton-%e2%80%94-what-is-the-future-of-liberalism/  3. “Portland Protesters Create ‘Autonomous Zone’ by Pitching Tents, Rebuilding Barri

Mar 9, 2022 • 54:30

Mike Munger - What’s Wrong With Anti-Trust and Industrial Policy?

Alex speaks with Mike Munger about the concept of monopoly and the history of anti-trust and industrial policy in America.  References 1. “Is Capitalism Sustainable?” by Michael Munger Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Capitalism-Sustainable-Michael-Munger/dp/1630691739  2. “Michael Munger on Antitrust” Podcast by Econlib Link: https://www.econtalk.org/michael-munger-on-antitrust/  3. “The Antitrust Laws” by the Federal Trade Commission Link: https://www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/gu

Mar 2, 2022 • 51:26

Bryan Caplan - How Do We Fix The Housing Crisis?

Alex speaks with Bryan Caplan about his novel solutions to the housing crisis, his affinity for graphic novels as a teaching tool, and the market-based approaches that are already working despite what our psychology is leading us to believe. References 1. “The Myth of the Rational Voter: Why Democracies Choose Bad Policies” by Bryan Caplan Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Myth-Rational-Voter-Democracies-Policies/dp/0691138737  2. “The Case Against Education: Why the Education System is a Waste of Tim

Feb 23, 2022 • 1:06:02

Andrew Smith - Do Entrepreneurs Help Create Peace?

Alex speaks with Andrew Smith about capitalist peace theory and discusses a Canadian case study as an example of mutually beneficial exchange leading to peace and prosperity.  References 1. “Canadian Entrepreneurs and the Preservation of the Capitalist Peace in the North Atlantic Triangle in the Civil War Era, 1861-1871” by Andrew D. Smith and Laurence B. Mussio Link: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/enterprise-and-society/article/abs/canadian-entrepreneurs-and-the-preservation-of-the-cap

Feb 16, 2022 • 55:02

Adam Gurri - What ls Mere Liberalism?

Alex speaks with Adam Gurri about how the large umbrella of liberalism under which a number of movements, systems of thought, and ideological identities may have more in common than is often thought.  References 1. Liberal Currents Magazine Link: https://www.liberalcurrents.com/  2. Embodiment and Exclusion Blog Link: https://embodimentandexclusion.com/  3. Jacobin Magazine Link: https://jacobin.com/  4. “The Communitarian Critique of Liberalism” by Michael Walzer Link: https://www.ias.edu/sites

Feb 9, 2022 • 57:06

Chandran Kukathas - What’s Wrong With Immigration Control?

Alex speaks with Chandran Kukathas about the costs of limiting immigration and what effects there may be on policy if the question of who counts as an immigrant is itself unclear. References 1. “Immigration and Freedom” by Chandran Kukathas Link: https://www.amazon.com/Immigration-Freedom-Chandran-Kukathas/dp/0691189684

Feb 2, 2022 • 59:01

Stephen Davies - What Is Global Catastrophic Risk?

Alex speaks with Steve Davies about the meaning of "Global Catastrophic Risk", and what it can reveal about how restructuring our understanding of big gambles can help us combat the threats of pandemics, climate change, and even technological singularity.  References 1. “Empiricism and History” by Stephen Davies Link: https://www.amazon.com/Empiricism-History-Theory-Stephen-Davies/dp/0333964705  2. “A Dictionary of Conservative and Libertarian Thought” by Nigel Ashford and Stephen Davies Link: h

Jan 26, 2022 • 1:07:27

Dan Shahar - Is It Okay To Eat Meat?

Alex speaks with Dan Shahar about the ethical implications of meat-eating, activism in relation to problematic markets, and a tricky thought experiment involving aliens and cows.  References 1. “Environmental Ethics: What Really Matters, What Really Works” by David Schmidtz and Dan C. Shahar Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Environmental-Ethics-Really-Matters-Works/dp/0190259221  2. “Why It’s OK to Eat Meat” by Dan C. Shahar Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Why-Its-OK-Eat-Meat/dp/0367172763

Jan 19, 2022 • 55:46

Will Clare Roberts - What Was Marx’s Relation To Liberalism?

Alex speaks with Professor Will Clare Roberts about Marx's life, his liberal past, and the relationship between the Marxist and liberal conceptions of freedom. References 1. “Marx’s Inferno: The Political Theory of Capitalism” by William Clare Roberts Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Marxs-Inferno-Political-Theory-Capital/dp/0691172900  2. “Capital: Volume I” by Karl Marx Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Capital-Critique-Political-Economy-Kapital-ebook/dp/B002XHNMN0  3. “The Civil War In France” by Karl M

Jan 12, 2022 • 53:06

James Harrigan - What Does Pop Culture Say About A Society?

Alex speaks with James Harrigan about popular culture as a source of social change and the many ways in which the export of American pop culture has shaped the world. References 1. “Brown v. Board of Education” by the National Archives Link: https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education  2. “Roe v. Wade” by Britannica Link: https://www.britannica.com/event/Roe-v-Wade

Jan 5, 2022 • 59:31

Year in Review with Matt Bufton and Sabine El-Chidiac

Alex speaks with Curious Task Executive Producer Matt Bufton and Producer Sabine El-Chidiac about topics related to freedom from 2021, and reflect on their favourite moments and accomplishments from the past year of The Curious Task.  References 1. “Welcoming Afghans to Canada” by the Government of Canada Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/afghanistan.html?utm_campaign=gac-amc-afghanistan-21-22&utm_source=countrypageafghanistan&utm_medium=no

Dec 29, 2021 • 1:01:27

Tony Gill - Why Do We Give Gifts?

Alex speaks with Tony Gill about the pros and cons of gift-giving from an economist's perspective - just in time for the holiday season! References 1. “Research on Religion” Podcast by Anthony Gill Link: http://www.researchonreligion.org/  2. “The Comparative Endurance and Efficiency of Religion: A Public Choice Approach” by Anthony Gill Link: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3400324  3. “Gift Giving is Better for Society than Economists Think” by Anthony Gill Link: https://ai

Dec 22, 2021 • 52:41

Lotta Stern - Is Classical Liberalism Important for Sociology?

Alex speaks with Lotta Stern about the tendency in sociology to overlook voluntary actions and associations as a means of addressing some of the largest social challenges of our day, and about the importance of avoiding absolutism in sociological thinking. References 1. “Class Origin and Elite Position of Men in Business Firms in Sweden, 1993-2007: The Importance of Education, Cognitive Ability, and Personality” by Eric Bihagen, Magnus Nermo, and Charlotta Stern Link: https://academic.oup.com/es

Dec 15, 2021 • 42:33

Bill Glod - Is It Okay To Make Bad Choices?

Alex speaks with Bill Glod about bad choices, coercion, and paternalism in order to flesh out the ideas from his 2020 book "Why It's Okay To Make Bad Choices". References 1. “Why It’s OK to Make Bad Choices” by William Glod Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Why-Its-Make-Bad-Choices/dp/0367195178  2. “Why it’s OK: The Ethics and Aesthetics of How We Live” Book Series by Routledge Link: https://www.routledge.com/Why-Its-OK/book-series/WIOK?srsltid=AfmBOopRQGuXr21UGdvawsLMPBYdAoBPvZ_t_iAYHMvyFO6W_H3OfL4a

Dec 8, 2021 • 47:53

Gary Chartier - Do Markets Need Capitalism?

Alex speaks with Gary Chartier about the varied ways in which the term "capitalism" is used today, the distinction between left-libertarianism and anarchism, and the future of market-based approaches to rooting out injustice from today's complex world. References 1. “Public Practice, Private Law: An Essay of Love, Marriage, and the State” by Gary Chartier Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Public-Practice-Private-Law-Marriage/dp/1316506088  2. “Anarchy and Legal Order: Law and Politics for a Stateless

Dec 1, 2021 • 47:35

Ben Klutsey - How Do We Bridge Divides?

Alex speaks with Ben Klutsey about the political polarization that is endemic to American society today, and how novel attempts to bridge the divide are being made by both individuals and organizations. References 1. “Overdoing Democracy: Why We Must Put Politics in its Place” by Robert B. Talisse Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Overdoing-Democracy-Must-Politics-Place/dp/0190924195  2. Read more about Ben’s Pluralism and Civil Exchange program at the Mercatus Center here: Link: https://www.mercatus.

Nov 24, 2021 • 54:13

Jacob Levy - Why Is Montesquieu Important For Liberalism?

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/0198297122  3. “Montesquieu’s

Nov 17, 2021 • 57:44

Geoff Kellow - Do Markets Promote Virtue?

Alex speaks with Geoff Kellow about the life and writings of Benjamin Franklin and whether they can help us better understand the connection between markets and virtue. References 1. “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” by Benjamin Franklin Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Autobiography-Benjamin-Franklin/dp/1508475091  2. “Benjamin Franklin and Adam Smith: Two Strangers and the Spirit of Capitalism” by Geoff Kellow Link: https://read.dukeupress.edu/hope/article-abstract/50/2/321/134723/Benjamin-F

Nov 10, 2021 • 56:15

Dan Smith - Can The Rule of Law Fix Monetary Problems?

Alex speaks with Dan Smith about the lack of accountability in the contemporary world of monetary policy and why greater discretion may not be the answer. References 1. “Money and the Rule of Law: Generality and Predictability in Monetary Institutions” by Peter Boettke, Alexander Salter, and Daniel Smith Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Money-Rule-Law-Predictability-Institutions/dp/1108479847  2. “Who Is Ben Bernake? Why Is He Important?” by Julia Kagan Link: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/benb

Nov 3, 2021 • 52:35

Bruce Caldwell - How Did The Mont Pelerin Society Begin?

Alex speaks with Bruce Caldwell on the history of one of the world's most exclusive intellectual societies. References 1. “Hayek’s Challenge: An Intellectual Biography of F.A. Hayek” by Bruce Caldwell Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Hayeks-Challenge-Intellectual-Biography-F/dp/0226091937  2. “Hayek: A Life, 1899-1950” by Bruce Caldwell  Link: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/H/bo136253636.html  3. “Mont Pelerin 1947: Transcripts of the Founding Meeting of the Mont Pelerin Society” b

Oct 27, 2021 • 58:54

Victor M. Muniz-Fraticelli - Is Monarchy Absurd?

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

Oct 20, 2021 • 57:13

Maria Pia Paganelli - Why Read The Wealth of Nations?

Alex Aragona speaks with Maria Pia Paganelli as she sheds light on the historical context of Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations, and some of the surprising insights within it that make it more relevant than ever today.  References 1. “The Routledge Guidebook to Smith’s Wealth of Nations” by Maria Pia Paginelli Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Routledge-Guidebook-Smiths-Wealth-Nations/dp/1138686158  2. “The Wealth of Nations” by Adam Smith Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Wealth-Nations-Adam-Smith/dp/16809

Oct 13, 2021 • 55:30

Emily Nacol — Is Politics Risky Business?

Alex Aragona speaks with Emily Nacol as she breaks down both the origins and contemporary puzzles of the concept of risk. References 1. "An Age of Risk: Politics and Economy in Early Britain" by Emily Nacol Link: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691165103/an-age-of-risk?srsltid=AfmBOoqPrhGB4AqvPOCalJPxFfkdI6iTXt5dkYsLvm5jCerE2A063rcP  2. “Leviathan” by Thomas Hobbes  Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Wealth-Nations-Adam-Smith/dp/1680920960  3. “Second Treatise of Government” by John Loc

Oct 6, 2021 • 50:44

Ep. 110: Emily Nacol — Is Politics Risky Business?

Alex Aragona speaks with Emily Nacol as she breaks down both the origins and contemporary puzzles of the concept of risk.

Oct 6, 2021 • 50:44

Andrew Sabl — What Is Realist Liberalism?

Alex Aragona speaks with Andrew Sabl as he explores what he means by "realist liberalism" and how it works to curb some of the misguided tendencies of other liberalisms. References 1. Liberalism Beyond Markets by Andrew Stabl Link: https://www.niskanencenter.org/liberalism-beyond-markets/  2. Realist liberalism: an agenda by Andrew Stabl Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13698230.2017.1293916  3. A Look Back: Sedition, Free Speech and the President by Scott Bomboy Link: https://

Sep 29, 2021 • 56:47

Michelle Schwarze — Should We Sympathize With Resentment?

Alex Aragona speaks with Michelle Schwarze as she presents what she means by resentment, and whether there is a place for it in politics. References 1. "Recognizing Resentment: Sympathy, Injustice and Liberal Political Thought" by Michelle Schwarze Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Recognizing-Resentment-Michelle-Schwarze/dp/1108478662  2. Second Emancipation Proclamation letter from Martin Luther King to President Kennedy  Link: https://www.crmvet.org/info/emancip2.pdf

Sep 22, 2021 • 53:05

Stefan Kolev — What Is Ordoliberalism?

Alex Aragona speaks with Stefan Kolev as he tours through the origins of Ordoliberalism and some of its fundamental principles. References 1. When Liberty Presupposes Order: F. A. Hayek’s Contextual Ordoliberalism by Steven Kolev Link: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-history-of-economic-thought/article/when-liberty-presupposes-order-f-a-hayeks-contextual-ordoliberalism/E3B96673B94952167704B24FC3A91857  2. “Old Chicago” and Freiburg: Why Ordoliberalism Was No “German Oddity

Sep 15, 2021 • 55:47

Travis Smith — The Tyranny of Which Majority?

Alex Aragona speaks with Travis Smith as he explores some key insights from Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America. References 1. “Superhero Ethics” by Travis Smith  Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Superhero-Ethics-Comic-Heroes-World/dp/1599474549  2. “Democracy in America” by Alexis de Tocqueville Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Democracy-America-Tocqueville-Mansfield-Winthrop/dp/0226805360  3. “Democracy in America, Volume 2” by Alexis de Tocqueville Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Democracy-America

Sep 8, 2021 • 1:06:27

Caroline Breashears — What Does Adam Smith Have To Do With Literature?

Alex Aragona speaks with Caroline Breashears as she explores concepts from Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments, and connects them to various characters and stories in English literature.  References 1. “Eighteenth-Century Women's Writing and the 'Scandalous Memoir’” by Caroline Breashears Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Eighteenth-Century-Womens-Writing-Scandalous-Memoir/dp/3319486543  2. “The Practical Morality of Life: Adam Smith, George Anne Bellamy, and the Theatre” Link: https://edinburghun

Sep 1, 2021 • 53:28

Pete Boettke — Is A Better World Possible?

Alex Aragona speaks with Pete Boettke as he presents his thinking on whether the world needs more classical liberalism, and how understanding the principles of liberalism might be the way to a better world.  References 1. “The Struggle for a Better World” by Pete Boettke Link: https://www.amazon.com/Struggle-Better-World-Peter-Boettke/dp/1942951876  2. “Hayek on the Role of Reason in Human Affairs” by Intercollegiate Studies Institute Link: https://isi.org/hayek-on-the-role-of-reason-in-human-af

Aug 25, 2021 • 1:16:09

James Otteson — What Are The Seven Deadly Sins of Economics?

Alex Aragona speaks with James Otteson as he tours through the seven deadly sins of economics, and how they can avoiding them can improve your thinking on public policy and in personal matters. References 1. "Seven Deadly Economic Sins: Obstacles to Prosperity and Happiness Every Citizen Should Know" by James Otteson Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Seven-Deadly-Economic-Sins-Prosperity/dp/1108843379  2. “Adam Smith and the Great Mind Fallacy” by James Otteson  Link: https://www.cambridge.org/core/jo

Aug 18, 2021 • 1:01:00

Moshe Lander — Should Governments Build Stadiums?

Alex Aragona speaks with Moshe Lander about the supposed economic benefits of building sports and entertainment stadiums, and why those claims may not be as accurate as most people may think.  References 1. “New Calgary event centre deal finalized, construction expected to begin in 2024” by Adam Toy Link: https://globalnews.ca/news/10007181/update-calgary-flames-arena-deal/

Aug 11, 2021 • 59:30

Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili — Does Self Governance Work?

Alex Aragona speaks with Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili as she tours through some of her findings from Afghanistan, how she found Hayek in Afghanistan, and what the customs she observed say about polycentric authority and "anarchy as a policy alternative." References 1. “Land, the State and War: Property Institutions and Political Order in Afghanistan” by Jennifer Murtazashvili Link: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/land-the-state-and-war/A7B8C98CB24780A3CC0EA1CD265D888A  2. “Informal Order an

Aug 4, 2021 • 57:08

Eric Schliesser — What Is Neoliberalism?

In Special Episode 2's celebration of 100 episodes, Curious Task host Alex Aragona pointed to Episode 60 with Eric Schliesser as one of his favourites, so we're re-releasing it! In this episode, Alex Aragona speaks with Eric Schliesser as he explores the history of the term "neoliberalism," its eventual evolution, and what neoliberalism means today. If you haven't had a chance to listen to it before, we hope you find it interesting. If you have, enjoy its re-release!  References from The Curious

Jul 28, 2021 • 58:23

Tom Palmer — War, What Is It Good For?

In Special Episode 2's celebration of 100 episodes, Curious Task producer Sabine El-Chidiac pointed to Episode 67 with Tom Palmer as one of her favourites, so we're re-releasing it! In this episode, Tom Palmer talks about the institutions and conditions that cause peace and war, and why the concept of war might be closer to home than some might think. If you haven't had a chance to listen to it before, we hope you find it interesting. If you have, enjoy its re-release!  References from The Curio

Jul 21, 2021 • 1:08:45

James Tooley — Is Low-Cost Private Education Possible?

In Special Episode 2, Matt Bufton pointed to The Curious Task Episode 77 with James Tooley as one of his favourites. If you haven't had a chance to listen to it before, we hope you find it interesting. If you have, enjoy its re-release! References from The Curious Task Special Episode 3 with James Tooley The E. G. West Centre at Newcastle University is the namesake of economist E. G. West. This page will direct listeners to his various articles and reports. James’ book, The Beautiful Tree: A Per

Jul 14, 2021 • 1:02:44

Celebrating 100 Episodes

To celebrate reaching 100 episodes, host Alex Aragona, producer Sabine El-Chidiac, and executive producer Matt Bufton look back on the origins and growth of the podcast, some of their favourite episodes, and so much more in this very special bonus episode.  References from The Curious Task Special Episode 2 with Matt Bufton, Sabine El-Chidiac and Alex Aragona You can listen to Graeme Thompson discuss Canadian Liberalism here. Dennis Rasmussen discusses if America failed here. The very first epis

Jul 12, 2021 • 56:26

Steve Horwitz — What Drives Progress?

In honour of Steve Horwitz (1964-2021), we are re-releasing his conversation with Alex Aragona on what drives progress — a topic near and dear to Steve's heart. References from The Curious Task Special Episode 1 with Steve Horwitz  Steve Horwitz is the author of Austrian Economics: An Introduction; Microfoundations and Macroeconomics: An Austrian Perspective; Monetary Evolution, Free Banking, and Economic Order; and Hayek’s Modern Family: Classical Liberalism and the Evolution of Social Institut

Jul 7, 2021 • 57:59

Tyler Cowen — Is Scarborough The Dining Capital of the World?

Tyler Cowen chats with Alex Aragona about all things food — great things to eat, where to find them, and how an economist gets lunch. References from The Curious Task Episode 100 with Tyler Cowen You can purchase An Economist Gets Lunch by Tyler Cowen from Amazon here. You can read more from Tyler Cowen at the blog Marginal Revolution here. Find their course materials at Marginal Revolution University here. Tyler Cowen also has a food blog here. Read more about locavorism in The Locavore's Dilem

Jun 30, 2021 • 49:25

Aeon Skoble — Is Anarchy Relevant For Classical Liberalism?

Alex Aragona peaks with Aeon Skoble as he outlines his ideas on what anarchism is, how we should think on it, and how it overlaps with classical liberal ideas. References from The Curious Task Episode 99 with Aeon Skoble Aeon Skoble is author of Deleting the State and editor of a collection of essays called The Simpsons and Philosophy. He has a chapter titled “What Is the Point of Anarchism” in The Routledge Handbook of Anarchy and Anarchist Thought. Read more from Aeon Skoble on the blog Radica

Jun 23, 2021 • 55:26

Janet Bufton and Sarah Skwire — Why Tweet The Wealth of Nations?

Alex Aragona speaks with SmithTweeters Janet Bufton and Sarah Skwire as they describe what drew them to the idea of reading through all of The Wealth of Nations and providing an ongoing commentary on Twitter, and how Adam Smith's ideas remain relevant.  References from The Curious Task Episode 98 with Janet Bufton and Sarah Skwire Janet Bufton previously spoke on The Curious Task, which you can listen to here. Sarah Skwire has also appeared on The Curious Task here. You can read the #WealthofTwe

Jun 16, 2021 • 51:54

Anton Howes — What Powered Innovation In Britain?

Alex Aragona speaks with Anton Howes about when the sparks of innovation started in Britain, and what fanned the flames moving forward. References from The Curious Task Episode 97 with Anton Howes You can read more about the Age of Invention at the substack where Anton Howes writes about his ideas here. You can also find his working paper titled The Spread of Improvement here. Deirdre McCloskey details her arguments about ethics and commerce in her series which begins with Bourgeois Virtues, ava

Jun 9, 2021 • 1:10:18

Bill Easterly — What Is The Tyranny of Experts?

Bill Easterly tours some of the concepts from his book The Tyranny of Experts, and explores why technocrats imposing their own form of economic development on cultures and peoples can produce more harm than good. References from The Curious Task Episode 96 with Bill Easterly You can purchase a copy of The Tyranny of the Experts by Bill Easterly here.  The End of Poverty by Jeff Sachs can be found on Amazon here. The Road to Serfdom by F.A. Hayek can be purchased here.

Jun 2, 2021 • 50:49

Dennis Rasmussen — Did America Fail?

Alex Aragona speaks with Dennis Rasmussen about his findings on how the American Founding Fathers truly felt about the experiment they designed and built as time went on. References from The Curious Task Episode 95 with Dennis Rasmussen Dennis Rasmussen previously joined The Curious Task to speak about his book The Infidel and the Professor, and you can listen to that episode here. The book discussed on this episode of The Curious Task is Fears of the Setting Sun by Dennis Rasmussen, which can b

May 26, 2021 • 57:15

Graeme Thompson — What Is Canadian Liberalism?

Alex Aragona speaks with Graeme Thompson about the classical liberal tradition in Canada, and what the evolution of that tradition has looked like. References from The Curious Task Episode 94 with Graeme Thompson A collection of the speeches of Wilfred Laurier can be found in an edited edition by Arthur Milnes, available from Amazon here. Macdonald Laurier and the Election of 1891 by Christopher Pennington can be found from Penguin House here. Graeme Thompson’s piece “Whatever Happened to Laurie

May 19, 2021 • 1:03:43

Jacob Levy — How Should Liberals Think of Social Injustice?

Jacob Levy gives a tour of his thoughts on the conversations surrounding social justice, and how liberals might consider the topic from the perspective of social "injustice". References from The Curious Task Episode 93 with Jacob Levy You can listen to Jacob Levy’s other appearances on The Curious Task here and here. Rationalism, Pluralism, and Freedom by Jacob T. Levy can be purchased from Amazon here. You can purchase Free Market Fairness by John Tomasi from Amazon here. You can read more conc

May 18, 2021 • 1:07:03

Sandy Ikeda — What Would Jane Jacobs Do?

In honour of her birthday, Sandy Ikeda explores the ideas of Jane Jacobs and reflects on how her thinking on urban centres is still relevant today. References from The Curious Task Episode 92 with Sandy Ikeda You can listen to Sandy Ikeda discuss “Why Can’t a City Be a Work of Art?” on The Curious Task here. A copy of Jane Jacob’s Death and Life of Great American Cities can be purchased from Amazon here. Some of her other works include The Economy of Cities (available here) and Systems of Surviv

May 5, 2021 • 1:05:32

Terence Kealey — Should Government Fund Science?

Terence Kealey speaks about the history of state involvement in funding science and technology, and why it may not be as good or innovative of an idea as it may seem. References from The Curious Task Episode 91 with Terence Kealey You can purchase a copy of Sex Science and Profits by Terence Kealey on Amazon here. The story of Katalin Karikó is explored in detail in this article. Terence Kealey has a chapter in Visions of Liberty, available for purchase here.

Apr 28, 2021 • 52:31

Nick Cowen — Should We Regulate Online Sex Work?

Alex Aragona speaks with Nick Cowen as he explores the current state of sex work regulation, and what approaches regulators could (and should) take when considering the increasing online landscape for these services. References from The Curious Task Episode 90 with Nick Cowen Nick Cowen is the author of Neoliberal Social Justice. You can read the first chapter of his book here. Nick Cowen’s article Sex Work and Online Platforms: What Should Regulation Do? can be downloaded and read here. Within

Apr 21, 2021 • 51:36

Alex Salter — Did Central Banks Get COVID-19 Right?

Alex Salter dives into Federal Reserve policies during the pandemic, what it got right and wrong, and what the lasting impacts will be. References from The Curious Task Episode 89 with Alex Salter Alex Salter is the co-author of Money and the Rule of Law along with Peter Boettke and Daniel Smith. His book can be purchased from Amazon here. To read more about the Federal Reserve’s actions during the financial crisis from Vice Chairman of the Federal Reserve Donald Kohn, see here. Alex Salter’s mo

Apr 14, 2021 • 52:25

Dan Griswold & Sabine El-Chidiac — What Should Immigration Policy Look Like After The Pandemic?

Dan and Sabine discuss their newest policy brief with the Mercatus Center, and what changes they'd like to see to Canadian and American immigration policy as it relates to movement between the two countries. References from The Curious Task Episode 88 with Dan Griswold & Sabine El-Chidiac The policy brief co-authored by Daniel Griswold and Sabine El-Chidiac titled “Deepen Us-Canada Ties with a Post-COVID-19 Agreement for the Free Movement of People can be found here. Dan Griswold’s book Mad

Apr 7, 2021 • 54:44

Bas van der Vossen — Who Owns Your Labour?

Alex Aragona explores standard readings of Lockean property rights theories with Bas van der Vossen, and then explore Bas' idea on what might be missing from these traditional understandings and interpretations.  References from The Curious Task Episode 87 with Bas van der Vossen Bas van der Vossen explores the historical entitlement theory, including some of the points he included in his presentation about Robert Nozick’s version during the podcast, at this link. You can read John Locke’s Secon

Mar 31, 2021 • 58:39

Matt Warner — What's Wrong With Foreign Aid?

Alex Aragona speaks with Matt Warner as he explores the dilemma that outsiders face when trying to do good for others, and why local knowledge is so important.  References from Episode 86 with Matt Warner Matt Warner is the author of, Poverty and Freedom: Case Studies on Global Economic Freedom, which can be purchased from Amazon Canada here. Eric Beinhocker’s book, The Origin of Wealth, was mentioned by Matt because it makes a Hayekian case for use of knowledge in society and that there is mor

Mar 24, 2021 • 56:04

Paul Robinson — Is Russia a Threat to Democracy?

Alex Aragona speaks with Paul Robinson about whether Russia is trying to meddle with Western democracy, and if he thinks the recommended solutions might be worse than the alleged threat. References from Episode 85 with Paul Robinson You can listen to Paul Robinson speak about military intervention on The Curious Task Paul Robinson regularly writes on his blog Irrussianality, which you can read online He is also the author and editor of several books, which can be found here. Alex references an e

Mar 17, 2021 • 55:23

Scott Scheall — What Is The Fundamental Problem of Political Life?

Alex Aragona speaks with Scott Scheall as he explores how the knowledge problem and other epistemological considerations must be considered before political incentives. References from Episode 84 with Scott Scheall Scott Scheall is the author of the book, F. A. Hayek and the Epistemology of Politics: The Curious Task of Economics, which can be purchased from Routledge at this link. You can read The Green New Deal resolution presented during the 1st session of the 116th Congress here. David Hum

Mar 10, 2021 • 1:02:07

Shikha Dalmia — How Does Minority Activism Help Stop Authoritarianism?

Alex Aragona speaks with Shikha Dalmia about minority groups as defenders of rights and freedoms, and the North American libertarian movement during and after Donald Trump's presidency. References from Episode 83 with Shikha Dalmia You can read Shikha’s articles published at Reason Foundation here and her articles in The Week here.  Here are some statistics of the the share of votes for Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the 2020 Presidential Election by ethnicity, produced by Statista. This is the W

Mar 3, 2021 • 1:06:01

Art Carden — Why Are We Rich?

Alex Aragona chats with Art Carden as he explains the kind of deal we need to make if we want to see great prosperity. References from Episode 82 with Art Carden Art Carden is the co-author of the book, Leave Me Alone and I’ll Make You Rich, with Deirdre McCloskey, which is available on Amazon Canada at this link (Kindle Edition and Hardcover). Art references Shylock from The Merchant of Venice and Iago from Othello, whose full texts are accessible through the Massachusetts Institute of Technolo

Feb 24, 2021 • 54:45

Erik Kimbrough — What Influences Our Choices?

Alex Aragona speaks with Erik Kimbrough as he explores the role social norms, groups, and other factors play in our decision making processes. References from Episode 81 with Erik Kimbrough You can find a list of Erik’s work here, or on SSRN and RePEc (Erik Kimbrough), some of which were quoted during this episode and formed the basis of discussion. These include Erik’s discussions on norm-compliance (with Mark Pickup and Eline de Rooij), corruption, social preferences (with Alexander Vostroknut

Feb 17, 2021 • 1:01:30

Ross Emmett and Steve Slivinski — What Policies Hurt Business?

Alex Aragona chats with Ross Emmett and Steve Slivinski as they explore the policies that can hurt businesses, and their work on the Doing Business North America index. References from Episode 80 with Ross Emmett and Steve Slivinski Ross Emmett and Stephen Slivinski are directors of the Doing Business North America project. Their 2020 report forms the basis of this episode and can be found at their website at this link. Here is a link to the Doing Business Report by the World Bank that was brief

Feb 10, 2021 • 1:03:19

Peter Jaworski — What Is Libertarianism?

Alex Aragona speaks with Peter Jaworski as he explores his definition of libertarianism, and how different kinds of morality can lead to certain conclusions about libertarian institutions. References from Episode 79 with Peter Jaworski Peter Jaworski is the co-author of the book, Markets without Limits: Moral Virtues and Commercial Interests, which is available for purchase on Amazon Canada at this link. Peter mentions B. van der Vossen’s article on self-ownership published on Stanford Encyclope

Feb 3, 2021 • 1:01:17

Sandra Peart — What Can We Learn From John Stuart Mill?

Alex Aragona speaks with Sandra Peart as she traces the life of John Stuart Mill and explores some of the key pillars of his thinking. References from Episode 78 with Sandra Peart Sandra Peart is the author of Towards an Economics of Natural Equals: A Documentary History of the Early Virginia School, Escape from Democracy: The Role of Experts and the Public in Economic Policy, and the Essential John Stuart Mill, some of which are available for purchase on Amazon Canada (titles hyperlinked). The

Jan 27, 2021 • 59:08

James Tooley — Is Low-Cost Private Education Possible?

Alex Aragona speaks with James Tooley as he retells some of his experiences discovering quality private education solutions in poorer communities, and how they compared to the government's offerings. References from Episode 77 with James Tooley The E. G. West Centre at Newcastle University is the namesake of economist E. G. West. This page will direct listeners to his various articles and reports. James’ book, The Beautiful Tree: A Personal Journey Into How the World’s Poorest People are Educati

Jan 20, 2021 • 1:02:44

Steve Horwitz — What Drives Progress?

Alex Aragona speaks with Steve Horwitz as he explores what drives human progress, and why the market is so crucial to that. References from Episode 76 with Steve Horwitz Steve Horwitz is the author of Austrian Economics: An Introduction; Microfoundations and Macroeconomics: An Austrian Perspective; Monetary Evolution, Free Banking, and Economic Order; and Hayek’s Modern Family: Classical Liberalism and the Evolution of Social Institutions which are available for purchase on Amazon Canada (titles

Jan 13, 2021 • 57:38

Clark Neily — How Can America's Policing Problem Be Fixed?

Alex Aragona speaks with Clark Neily as he explores the causes of America's policing problems, and policies that may fix them. References 1. “Terms of Engagement: How Our Courts Should Enforce the Constitution’s Promise of Limited Government” by Clark M. Neily Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Terms-Engagement-Enforce-Constitutions-Government/dp/1594036969  2. “A Libertarian Vision for Criminal Justice” by Clark Neily  Link: https://www.libertarianism.org/essays/libertarian-vision-for-criminal-justice

Jan 6, 2021 • 1:08:23

Matt Bufton and Sabine El-Chidiac — What Was 2020 Like For Liberalism?

It's our 2020 roundup episode! Alex Aragona chats with Matt Bufton and Sabine El-Chidiac about topics and ideas surrounding liberalism in the past year, and choose their favourite Curious Task episodes from 2020. References from Episode 74 with Sabine El-Chidiac and Matt Bufton Matt mentions the 1992 Los Angeles riots stemming from the police brutality against Rodney King. An article on these incidents can be found on National Public Radio’s website at this link.  You can learn more about the in

Dec 30, 2020 • 1:08:08

Mike Tanner — Why Does Poverty Persist?

Alex Aragona speaks with Mike Tanner as he explores the factors that contribute to the persistence of poverty, and different policy recommendations that can help alleviate it. References from Episode 73 with Mike Tanner Mike Tanner is the author of Going for Broke: Deficits, Debt, and the Entitlement Crisis, Leviathan on the Right: How the Rise of Big Government Conservatism Threatens Our Freedom and Our Future, and The Inclusive Economy: How to Bring Wealth to America’s Poor. All titles are hyp

Dec 23, 2020 • 51:53

Janet Bufton — Are Libertarians Liberals?

Alex Aragona speaks with Janet Bufton as she explores where and how the tenets of classical liberalism come into play for those who call themselves libertarians. References from Episode 72 with Janet Bufton Janet Bufton manages the Liberal Studies Guides project and is a consultant at Adam Smith Works, whose websites have been hyperlinked. You can read more about Adam Smith’s thoughts on a system of natural liberty, the rules of commercial society, and the decisions people make at the Stanford E

Dec 16, 2020 • 1:10:39

David Skarbek — How Do Prisoners Govern?

Alex Aragona speaks with David Skarbek as he explores the different governance structures that prisoners live under and create in prisons around the world. References from The Curious Task Episode 71 with David Skarbek You can purchase The Puzzle of Prison Order by David Skarbek He looks specifically at the American prison system in his earlier book The Social Order of the Underworld, which is available for purchase here.

Dec 9, 2020 • 57:12

Mustafa Akyol — How Free Is The Muslim World?

Alex Aragona speaks with Mustafa Akyol as he explores whether Islam can be compatible with liberalism, and his recent research on freedom in Muslim-majority countries. References from Episode 70 with Mustafa Akyol Mustafa Akyol is the author of Rethinking the Kurdish Question: What Went Wrong, What Next? (Turkish), Islam Without Extremes: A Muslim Case For Liberty, The Islamic Jesus: How the King of the Jews Became a Prophet of the Muslims, and his book set for release in April 2021, Reopening M

Dec 2, 2020 • 51:42

Kevin Vallier — Can Polarization Be Reversed?

Alex Aragona speaks with Kevin Vallier as he explores the different tenets of political and social polarization, and whether the divisions we're seeing today can be reversed. References from Episode 69 with Kevin Vallier Kevin Vallier is the author of Liberal Politics and Public Faith: Beyond Separation, Must Politics Be War?: Restoring Our Trust in Open Society, and Trust in a Polarized Age, which is the basis of this episode’s discussion. All books are available on Amazon Canada (titles hyperl

Nov 25, 2020 • 47:06

Sabine El-Chidiac — What Helps Refugees Succeed?

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 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 n

Nov 18, 2020 • 59:41

Tom Palmer — War, What Is It Good For?

Alex Aragona speaks with Tom Palmer as he explores the institutions and conditions that cause peace and war. References from Episode 67 with Tom Palmer Tom Palmer’s book, Realizing Freedom: Libertarian Theory, History, and Practice can be purchased on Amazon Canada at this link. Tom has additionally wrote and/or edited the following works: The Morality of Capitalism: What Your Professors Won't Tell You (link) After the Welfare State (link) Why Liberty (link) Self-Control or State Control? You De

Nov 11, 2020 • 1:08:45

Virginia Postrel — How Do Textiles Shape Society?

Alex Aragona speaks with Virginia Postrel as she explores how her newest book traces how textiles shaped our modern societies. References from Episode 66 with Virginia Postrel Virgina Postrel is the author of The Power of Glamour: Longing and the Art of Visual Persuasion; The Substance of Style: How The Rise of Aesthetic Value Is Remaking Commerce, Culture, and Consciousness; The Future and Its Enemies: The Growing Conflict Over Creativity, Enterprise, and Progress, and The Fabric of Civilizatio

Nov 4, 2020 • 1:09:15

Eric Merkley — Why Don't We Trust The Experts?

Alex Aragona speaks with Eric Merkley as he explores the reasons why the public often mistrusts experts. References from Episode 65 with Eric Merkley Eric has a list of his publications on his website.  Alex references the following excerpts from Eric’s article “Anti-Intellectualism, Populism, and Motivated Resistance to Expert Consensus,” which can be accessed through an active account with Oxford Academic or your Institution at this link: “… anti-intellectualism, the generalized mistrust and s

Oct 28, 2020 • 1:04:17

Bart Wilson — Is The Idea of Property Universal?

Alex Aragona speaks with Bart Wilson as he explores the natural tendencies of humans in relation to their views and attitudes on property. References from Episode 64 with Bart Wilson You can purchase Bart Wilson’s book, The Property Species: Mine, Yours, and The Human Mind on Amazon Canada. Bart referenced a study by linguists Cliff Goddard and Anna Wierzbicka on the conceptual semantics of possession found in every language, which may be accessed through ScienceDirect at this link. The full Bin

Oct 21, 2020 • 1:05:23

Michael Strong — Can Entrepreneurship Solve The World's Problems?

Alex Aragona speaks with Michael Strong as he explores how entrepreneurship improves the lives of people all over the world.  References 1. “Be the Solution: How Entrepreneurs and Conscious Capitalists Can Solve All the World’s Problems” by Michael Strong and John Mackey Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Be-Solution-Entrepreneurs-Conscious-Capitalists/dp/0470450037 2. “The Magic Washing Machine” video by Hans Rosling Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZoKfap4g4w&ab_channel=TED

Oct 14, 2020 • 1:06:20

Cara Zwibel — Can We Maintain Civil Liberties During a Pandemic?

Alex Aragona speaks with Cara Zwibel as she offers her thoughts on whether we can maintain our civil liberties during an emergency like a pandemic, and how we can do so. References from Episode 62 with Cara Zwibel This is the website for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. The Government of Canada has sector and industry-specific guidelines in place for the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be reviewed here. You can refresh yourself on the articles of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Oct 7, 2020 • 1:06:15

Bryan Caplan — What's a University Degree Worth?

Alex Aragona speaks with Bryan Caplan about the value of a formal education, and compares the alleged benefits against the reality. References from Episode 61 with Bryan Caplan You can purchase Bryan Caplan’s New York Times best-seller, The Myth of the Rational Voter from Amazon Canada at this link. His other publications include Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids (book), The Case Against Education (the book upon which this episode was based), and Open Borders (graphic novel).  This is an outline

Sep 30, 2020 • 1:01:10

Eric Schliesser — What Is Neoliberalism?

Alex Aragona speaks with Eric Schliesser as he explores the history of the term "neoliberalism," its eventual evolution, and what neoliberalism means today. References from episode 60 with Eric Schliesser Here is a list of Eric Schliesser’s publications. Dr. Karen Horn and Dr. Stefan Kolev’s joint work, entitled Economic Thinking, has a German version available for purchase on Amazon Canada at this link. Walter Lippmann’s book, The Good Society, which went on to become an international hit as fo

Sep 23, 2020 • 57:51

Lynne Kiesling — Can Markets Restructure Energy?

Alex Aragona speaks with Lynne Kiesling as she explores the current structure of energy systems and delivery, and how they can be restructured in more market-oriented ways. References from Episode 59 with Lynne Kiesling You can buy Lynne Kiesling’s book, Deregulation, Innovation and Market Liberalization: Electricity Regulation in a Continually Evolving Environment, on Amazon Canada at this link. You can read more about Ben Franklin’s famous Kite-in-a-Thunderstorm Experiment that was briefly men

Sep 16, 2020 • 1:07:52

Matt Ridley — How Does Innovation Flourish?

Alex Aragona speaks with Matt Ridley as he explores the nature of innovation and the conditions that enable it to flourish. References 1. Mind & Matter Column, Wall Street Journal Link: https://www.wsj.com/news/types/mind-matter  2. “How Innovation Works: And Why It Flourishes in Freedom by Matt Ridley Link: https://www.amazon.ca/How-Innovation-Works-Flourishes-Freedom/dp/0062916599  3. “Northumberlandia” by The Gardens Trust  Link: https://thegardenstrust.blog/2015/08/15/northumberlandia/

Sep 9, 2020 • 56:29

Terry Anderson — How Can We Unlock The Wealth of Indigenous Nations?

Alex Aragona speaks with Terry Anderson as he explores the external forces that have restrained the wealth and well-being of Indigenous peoples in the West, and how that wealth can be unlocked.  References 1. “Free Market Environmentalism for the Next Generation” by Terry L. Anderson and Donald R. Leal Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Market-Environmentalism-Generation-Anderson-Paperback/dp/B010CKSG1M  2. “Unlocking the Wealth of Indian Nations” by Terry Anderson Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Unlocking

Sep 2, 2020 • 59:48

Diana Thomas — Why Is Childcare So Expensive?

Alex Aragona speaks with Diana Thomas as she explores the factors that play into increasing childcare costs, and some potential solutions to the problem. References 1. “Regulation and the Cost of Childcare” by Diana Thomas and Devon Gorry Link: https://www.mercatus.org/students/research/working-papers/regulation-and-cost-child-care  2. Child Care Aware of America Link: https://www.childcareaware.org/

Aug 26, 2020 • 47:16

Vincent Geloso — Are Anarcho-Capitalists Insane?

Alex Aragona speaks with Vincent Geloso as he explores anarcho-capitalist economic concepts and whether there are real life examples to back them up. References 1. Vincent’s Previous Episode “Should We Care About Equality” on The Curious Task Podcast Link: https://thecurioustask.podbean.com/e/ep-28-vincent-geloso-%e2%80%94-should-we-care-about-inequality/  2. “Private Creation and Enforcement of Law: A Historical Case” by David Friedman Link: https://www.jstor.org/stable/724116?seq=1  3. “Are An

Aug 19, 2020 • 58:06

Dan Griswold — Can You Win a Trade War?

Alex Aragona speaks with Dan Griswold as he explores the benefits of open markets and free trade, and whether you can "win" a trade war. References 1. “Mad About Trade: Why Main Street America Should Embrace Globalization” by Daniel Griswold Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Mad-About-Trade-America-Globalization/dp/193530819X  2. “Section 232 Investigation on the Effect of Imports of Steel on U.S. National Security” by U.S Department of Commerce Link: https://www.commerce.gov/issues/trade-enforcement/

Aug 12, 2020 • 56:58

Kerry McDonald — Do We Need Schooling Alternatives?

Author of 'Unschooled' Kerry McDonald joins Alex Aragona to talk about how choice in education can allow children to lead happier and more fulfilled lives, and the positive impacts of taking education outside the conventional classroom.  References from Episode 53 with Kerry McDonald: You can buy Kerry McDonald’s book, Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom, on Amazon Canada at this link. You can buy Noam Chomsky’s book, Chomsky on Mis-Education, w

Aug 5, 2020 • 1:01:23

Nimish Adhia — Did Bollywood Liberalize India?

Alex Aragona speaks with Nimish Adhia as he explores how Bollywood films traced cultural changes in India, and how the films themselves directly affect social attitudes. References from Episode 52 with Nimish Adhia: You can read Nimish Adhia’s paper “The role of ideological change in India’s economic liberalization”, which is referenced throughout the podcast, at this link You can read more about the Hindi film Mother India (1957) here You can read the Eastern Eye op-ed “Did Bollywood write the

Jul 29, 2020 • 49:16

Malcolm Lavoie — Why Are Property Rights So Important?

Alex Aragona speaks with Malcolm Lavoie about the importance of property rights to decentralization and the use of resources, and discusses how FA Hayek's work plays a part in understanding this connection.  References from Episode 51 with Malcolm Lavoie: You can read Malcolm Lavoie’s paper “Property and Local Knowledge”, which is referenced throughout the podcast, at this link. You can read FA Hayek’s essay “The Use of Knowledge in Society” on EconLib here You can purchase FA Hayek’s book, Law,

Jul 22, 2020 • 57:23

Linda Kavuka — How Do Free Markets Help Africa?

Alex Aragona speaks with Linda Kavuka as she explores why it's so important to rediscover Africa's free-market past, and how the ideas surrounding free markets can help remedy the problems facing many African countries.   References from Episode 50 with Linda Kavuka: You can read Linda Kavuka’s Telegraph article on Africa and access to the free market referenced in the podcast here You can watch Linda Kavuka’s talk on the impact of colonialism on property rights in Africa, referenced in the podc

Jul 15, 2020 • 1:13:26

Fabio Rojas — What Happened to the Anti-War Movement?

Alex Aragona speaks with Fabio Rojas as he traces the history of the post 9/11 anti-war movement and what caused it to lose momentum. References from Episode 49 with Fabio Rojas: You can purchase Fabio Rojas’ book, From Black Power to Black Studies: How a Radical Social Movement Became an Academic Discipline, on Amazon Canada at this link. You can buy Fabio Rojas’ book, Party in the Street: The Antiwar Movement and the Democratic Party After 9/11,  on Amazon Canada at this link. You can purchase

Jul 8, 2020 • 47:46

Travis Smith — Why Are Superheroes So Popular?

Alex Aragona nerds out with Travis Smith as they discuss his book 'Superhero Ethics', why superheroes are so popular, and the ten ways superheros save the world.  References from Episode 48 with Travis Smith: You can purchase Travis Smith’s book Superhero Ethics: 10 Comic Book Heroes; 10 Ways to Save the World; Which One Do We Need Most Now? on Amazon Canada at this link You can watch the trailer for Watchmen, the American superhero drama limited television series Alex mentions in the podcast he

Jul 1, 2020 • 1:03:51

Ilya Somin — Can You Vote With Your Feet?

Alex Aragona speaks with Ilya Somin as he explores how you can vote with your feet and if it is effective. References from Episode 47 with Ilya Somin: You can purchase Illya Somin’s book, Democracy and Political Ignorance: Why Smaller Government Is Smarter, on Amazon Canada at this link You can purchase Illya Somin’s book, The Grasping Hand: “Kelo V. City of New London” and the Limits of Eminent Domain, on Amazon Canada at this link You can purchase Illya Somin’s book, Free to Move: Foot Voting,

Jun 24, 2020 • 57:25

Dennis Rasmussen — How Did A Friendship Shape Modern Thought?

Alex Aragona speaks with Dennis Rasmussen as he traces the friendship between Adam Smith and David Hume, and how it helped shaped modern thought. References from Episode 46 with Dennis Rasmussen: You can purchase Dennis Rasmussen’s book, The Infidel and the Professor: David Hume, Adam Smith, and the Friendship That Shaped Modern Thought, on Amazon Canada at this link. You can purchase David Hume’s book, A Treatise of Human Nature, on Amazon Canada at this link You can read Adam Smith’s book, A T

Jun 17, 2020 • 1:00:16

Steve Davies — What Happens After The Pandemic?

Alex Aragona speaks with Steve Davies as he explores what he thinks life after the pandemic will look like, including our relationship with the welfare state. References from Episode 45 with Steve Davies: You can purchase Steve Davies’ book, Empiricism and History, at Amazon at this link You can purchase Steve Davies’ book, The Wealth Explosion: The Nature and Origins of Modernity, at Amazon at this link You can purchase Steve Davies’ book, The Economics and Politics of Brexit: The Realignment o

Jun 10, 2020 • 1:05:11

Shikha Dalmia — How Are Indian Immigrants Saving Canadian Hockey?

Alex Aragona talks with Shikha Sood Dalmia as she explores the story of a Sikh-Canadian broadcaster's rise to fame, and what stories like these mean for the broader immigrant community when it comes to joining, and changing, the world around them. References from Episode 44 with Shikha Dalmia: You can read Shikha Dalmia’s original Reason article about this topic at this link

Jun 3, 2020 • 1:04:55

Ben Perrin — What's the Solution to the Opioid Crisis?

Alex Aragona speaks with Ben Perrin as he explores the causes of, and solutions to, the opioid crisis in Canada and the United States. References from Episode 43 with Ben Perrin: You can purchase Ben Perrin’s new book Overdose: Heartbreak and Hope in Canada’s Opioid Crisis at Amazon Canada at this link You can listen to the episode of The Curious Task that Alex mentioned that features Trevor Burrus at this link

May 27, 2020 • 57:00

Sarah Skwire — Why Should Women Care About Economic Freedom?

Everyone should care about economic freedom. But why is economic freedom especially relevant for women? Alex Aragona chats with Sarah Skwire as she explores why economic freedom has been, and is, important for women to cherish and defend. References from Episode 42 with Sarah Skwire: You can check out Adam Smith Works here You can purchase Sarah’s article on Margaret Fell here You can read Sarah Skwire’s article on How the State Became the American Woman’s Real Enemy here Sarah Skwire talks abou

May 20, 2020 • 58:21

Russ Roberts — How Can Adam Smith Change Your Life?

Alex Aragona speaks with Russ Roberts as he talks about the ways in which the ideas of Adam Smith can change your life, even so many years later.   References from Episode 41 with Russ Roberts  You can purchase Russ Roberts’ book How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life at Amazon Canada here You can read the Theory of Moral Sentiments for free on the Online Library of Liberty here

May 13, 2020 • 54:35

Pete Boettke — What Is The Curious Task of Economics?

Alex Aragona chats with Pete Boettke as he dives into what the curious task of economics is and relates it back to the work of Friedrich Hayek. References from Episode 40 with Pete Boettke You can purchase Pete Boettke’s book on F.A. Hayek on Amazon Canada here Check out Pete Boettke’s economics blog here

May 6, 2020 • 1:19:44

Mike Munger — Is Price Gouging Wrong?

Alex Aragona speaks with Mike Munger as he explores what's truly happening when we see rapid price changes during a crisis, and whether suppliers raising their prices in a time of crisis is wrong. References 1. “Is Capitalism Sustainable?” by Michael Munger Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Capitalism-Sustainable-Michael-Munger/dp/1630691739  2. “Three Undeniable Problems with Anti-Gouging Laws” by Michael Munger Link: https://thedailyeconomy.org/article/three-undeniable-problems-with-anti-gouging-law

Apr 29, 2020 • 1:00:53

David Clement — Is Marijuana Legalization Working?

Alex speaks with the Consumer Choice Centre's David Clement about why Canada's marijuana legalization regulations missed the mark, and what government could have done to make legalization work.  References from Episode 38 with David Clement: Here are a few articles by David Clement on marijuana legalization Globe and Mail: Ottawa is baking a bitter taste into its rules around edibles Globe and Mail: Minor changes could have a major positive impact on Ontario’s cannabis plan Globe and Mail: Healt

Apr 22, 2020 • 1:06:52

Ray Pennings — Does School Choice Work?

Alex Aragona chats with Cardus' Ray Pennings as he explores the benefits of more school choice to both students and society, and look at some data to see if, and how, it works.  References from Episode 37 with Ray Pennings: You can check out the Canadian Cardus Survey here You can read the U.S. Cardus Education Survey 2018 here You can read the Cardus survey on Who Chooses Ontario Independent Schools and Why here

Apr 15, 2020 • 1:06:23

Jason Brennan — Why Not Capitalism?

Alex Aragona chats with Jason Brennan's about his response to G.A. Cohen's book and question "Why Not Socialism?" and his thoughts on ideal capitalism. References from Episode 36 with Jason Brennan: You can purchase Jason Brennan’s book Why Not Capitalism on Amazon Canada here

Apr 8, 2020 • 57:24

Jesse Walker — Did We Really Go to The Moon? (April Fool's Day Episode)

Alex Aragona speaks with Jesse Walker as they explore whether a human being truly set foot on the moon. References 1. “Rebels on the Air: An Alternative History of Radio in America” by Jesse Walker Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Rebels-Air-Alternative-History-America/dp/0814793827  2. “The United States of Paranoia: A Conspiracy Theory” by Jesse Walker Link: https://www.amazon.ca/United-States-Paranoia-Conspiracy-Theory/dp/0062135562

Apr 1, 2020 • 1:08:30

Matt Bufton — Are There Libertarians in a Pandemic?

Matt Bufton talks with Alex Aragona about the effects the response to COVID-19 will have on freedom, the proper government response to a pandemic, how lifting certain regulations can help, and more.  References from Episode 34 with Matt Bufton: You can read the Atlantic article referenced in the podcast  here You can read more about hand sanitizer regulations being relaxed here Check out more information on the Mercatus COVID-19 Innovation Prizes here

Mar 25, 2020 • 1:11:50

Scott Beyer — What is Market Urbanism?

Alex Aragona speaks with Scott Beyer as he explores the basic tenets of market urbanism and the ideas behind market driven solutions to problems in our communities. References from Episode 33 with Scott Beyer: You can check out Scott’s website The Market Urbanism Report here You can check out the popular Market Urbanism Report Facebook page here

Mar 18, 2020 • 58:12

Jason Sorens — Could Alberta Leave Canada?

Alex Aragona speaks with Jason Sorens as he explores what it takes for a group to secede or gain independence from a state, and whether Alberta could leave Canada. References from Episode 32 with Jason Sorens: You can purchase Jason Sorens’ book on Secessionism on Amazon Canada  here You can listen to Jason Sorens’ appearance on the Danielle Smith show in Alberta here

Mar 11, 2020 • 1:05:47

Chris Freiman — Is it Okay to Ignore Politics?

Alex Aragona speaks with Christopher Freiman as he explores why you might be happier, and ultimately contribute more to society, if you choose to ignore politics. References from Episode 31 with Chris Freiman: You can purchase Chris Freiman’s book when it’s out  here You can check out the Bleeding Heart Libertarians blog here You can purchase Bryan Caplan’s book ‘The Myth of the Rational Voter’ on Amazon Canada here

Mar 4, 2020 • 1:07:31

Adam Bartha — Is Populism a Threat to Liberalism?

Alex Aragona and Adam Bartha discuss whether populism is a threat to liberalism and what political landscapes look like after political realignment. References from Episode 30 with Adam Bartha: You can read Adam’s article referenced in this episode here You can read Dr. Steven Davies’ article on The Great Realignment here

Feb 26, 2020 • 1:10:50

Jacob Levy — How Should Liberals Think of Civil Society?

Jacob Levy speaks with Alex about how liberals should approach the ideas of freedom of association and civil society, and what that means for the way groups interact with other groups and the state.  References from Episode 29 with Jacob Levy: You can purchase Jacob Levy’s book Rationalism, Pluralism, and Freedom on Amazon Canada here You can purchase the book Seeing Like a State by James C. Scott, which was mentioned by Jacob on the podcast, at Amazon Canada here

Feb 19, 2020 • 59:16

Vincent Geloso — Should We Care About Inequality?

Alex Aragona speaks with economist Vincent Geloso about whether we should care about inequality, and how we should approach measuring and understanding it.  References from Episode 28 with Vincent Geloso: For further reading, you can check out this paper written by Vincent Geloso and Steve Horwitz, one of our other previous podcast guests, here

Feb 12, 2020 • 48:53

Trevor Burrus — How Has The Drug War Failed?

Alex Aragona speaks with Trevor Burrus as he explores the many ways the drug war has failed drug addicts and society. References from Episode 27 with Trevor Burrus: You can read the article ‘Locked Up and Loaded’ that Alex refers to in this episode that was written by Trevor here

Feb 5, 2020 • 1:11:01

Kevin Vallier — Must Politics Be War?

Alex Aragona speaks with Kevin Vallier about conflicts in politics and how ideology aggravates them, and whether liberal institutions can help us trust each other more. References from Episode 26 with Kevin Vallier: You can purchase Kevin Vallier’s book Must Politics be War here You can purchase the book Polarization: What Everyone Needs to Know here You can purchase From Politics to the Pews here

Jan 29, 2020 • 1:04:18

Glenn Fox — Is Free Market Environmentalism an Oxymoron?

Alex Aragona speaks with Glenn fox as he explores whether environmentalism from a free market perspective creates a contradiction. References from Episode 25 with Glenn Fox: If you have Sage journal subscription, you can read Glenn Fox’s research on this subject in an article here You can read more about Carl Menger on The Library of Economics and Liberty here

Jan 22, 2020 • 1:01:02

Sandy Ikeda — Why Can't a City Be a Work of Art?

Alex Aragona talks with Sandy Ikeda as he explores why a city can't be thought of, and specifically designed as, a work of art. References from Episode 24 with Sandy Ikeda You can read an article from Sandy Ikeda entitled What is a city? on the Market Urbanism website here Alain Bertaud’s book Order without Design that Sandy mentioned on the podcast can be purchased on Amazon Canada here Sandy appears in the documentary Citizen Jane: Battle for the City, you can find it on all online rental plat

Jan 15, 2020 • 1:10:09

Mike Munger — Is Capitalism Sustainable?

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

Jan 8, 2020 • 59:31

Matt Bufton — What is the Future of Liberalism?

Alex Aragona talks with Matt Bufton about the future of liberalism (and why it's not as bad as you might think!). References from Episode 22 with Matt Bufton Fear the Boom and the Bust: Keynes vs. Hayek Rap Battle Fight of the Century: Keynes vs. Hayek Rap Battle Round Two You can purchase a copy of F.A. Hayek’s The Fatal Conceit at Amazon Canada here You can read F.A. Hayek’s essay The Intellectuals and Socialism here

Jan 1, 2020 • 57:39

Alex Tabarrok — Is Giving Gifts Inefficient?

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, 2019 • 42:31

James Stacey Taylor — Should People Be Allowed to Sell Their Organs?

Alex Aragona speaks with James Stacey Taylor as he makes the case for a market for organs. References from Episode 20 with James Stacey Taylor You can purchase James Stacey Taylor’s book Stakes and Kidneys in Amazon Canada here

Dec 18, 2019 • 54:23

Lauren Hall — What's Wrong With Modern Healthcare?

Alex Aragona talks with Lauren Hall as she explores the problems with modern healthcare systems and some of the possible remedies. References from Episode 19 with Lauren Hall: You can read more from Lauren Hall on the subject of rights violations in delivery rooms here

Dec 11, 2019 • 1:01:42

Alex Nowrasteh — Is Immigration Important to a Free Society?

Alex Aragona speaks with the Cato Institute's Alex Nowrasteh about why immigration is important to a free society, and the common misconceptions some people have that keep them from being more open to immigration.  References from Episode 18 with Alex Nowrasteh: You can read Alex Nowrasteh’s studies and commentaries on his page at the Cato Institute’s website Check out Jens Hainmueller’s paper on cultural anxiety and immigration here Read Alex’s thoughts on the paper on perceptions of chaos by A

Dec 4, 2019 • 1:08:04

Sarah Burns — Is American Foreign Policy Broken?

Alex Aragona chats with Sarah Burns about whether American foreign policy is broken as a result of a breakdown of the separation, and increased centralization, of power.  References from Episode 17 with Sarah Burns: You can buy Sarah Burns’ book The Politics of War Powers: The Theory and History of Presidential Unilateralism here on Amazon Canada

Nov 27, 2019 • 1:01:43

Alain Bertaud — Who Knows Best About Planning a City?

Alex Aragona chats with Alain Bertaud as he shares his thoughts on how cities truly flourish and how urban planners should approach their role.  References from Episode 16 with Alain Bertaud: You can buy Alain Bertaud’s book Order without Design: How Markets Shape Cities here on Amazon Canada

Nov 20, 2019 • 58:18

Jen Dirmeyer — What Do Markets Do For Us?

Alex Aragona speaks with Jen Dirmeyer as she explores what markets do for us and the different ways they impact our lives. References 1. “The Use of Knowledge in Society” by Freidrich August von Hayek Link: https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/articles/hayek-use-knowledge-society.pdf

Nov 13, 2019 • 1:07:44

Steve Horwitz — How Has Capitalism Helped Create The Modern Family?

Alex Aragona speaks with Steve Horwitz as he explores how the evolution of capitalism also shaped the modern family. References 1. “Hayek’s Modern Family: Classical Liberalism and the Evolution of Social Institutions” by Steve Horwitz  Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Hayeks-Modern-Family-Liberalism-Institutions/dp/1137448229

Nov 6, 2019 • 1:10:18

Abigail Hall — How Does Foreign Policy Create a Boomerang Effect at Home?

Alex Aragona speaks with Abigail Hall as she describes how various elements of United States foreign policy ultimately come back home from abroad and affect domestic life. References 1. “Tyranny Comes Home: The Domestic Fate of U.S. Militarism” by Abigail Hall Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Tyranny-Comes-Home-Domestic-Militarism/dp/1503605272  2. “Ferguson Riot and Ferguson Unrest (2014-2015)” by BlackPast Link: https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/ferguson-riot-and-ferguson-unrest-20

Oct 30, 2019 • 59:20

Jason Kuznicki — What Is Government For?

Alex Aragona speaks with Jason Kuznicki as he explores some history on how intellectuals viewed the state, and how we should view the state.  References from Episode 12 with Jason Kuznicki: You can buy Jason Kuznicki’s book Technology and the End of Authority: What Is Government For? here on Amazon Canada

Oct 23, 2019 • 59:56

Sigal Ben-Porath — How Can Speech Be Protected on Campus?

Alex Aragona speaks with Sigal Ben-Porath as she details her perspective on campus free speech issues.  References 1. “Free Speech on Campus” by Sigal Ben-Porath Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Free-Speech-Campus-Sigal-Ben-Porath/dp/0812250079

Oct 16, 2019 • 1:08:37

Chris Freiman — Do People Have the Right to Immigrate?

Alex Aragona speaks with Chris Freiman as he shares his thoughts on whether people have the right to immigrate. References 1. Christopher Freiman’s Articles, Bleeding Heart Libertarianism Link: https://bleedingheartlibertarians.com/author/christopher-freiman/  2. “A Defense of Open Borders” by Christopher Freiman Link: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-93907-0_13  3. “Liberalism or Immigration Restriction, But Not Both” by Chris Freiman and Javier Hidalgo Link: https://cafreima

Oct 9, 2019 • 55:56

Jessica Flanigan — Should We Legalize All Drugs?

Alex Aragona speaks with Jessica Flanigan as she explores whether all drugs should be legalized. References 1. “Pharmaceutical Freedom: Why Patients Have a Right to Self Medicate” by Jessica Flanigan Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Pharmaceutical-Freedom-Patients-Right-Medicate/dp/0190684542

Oct 2, 2019 • 58:54

Andrew Work — Has The Extradition Law Conflict Pushed Hong Kong Toward a More Liberal Environment?

Alex Aragona speaks with Hongkonger Andrew Work. Relying on his first-hand experience with the Hong Kong extradition law protests, he explores whether recent political tensions have pushed Hong Kong toward a more liberal environment. References 1. Lion Rock Institute Link: https://www.lionrockinstitute.org/en/  2. “What was Hong Kong’s ‘Occupy’ movement all about? By Reuters Link: https://www.reuters.com/article/world/what-was-hong-kongs-occupy-movement-all-about-idUSKCN1S005M/  3. “Government S

Sep 25, 2019 • 1:11:42

Eric Mack — Why Not Socialism?

Alex Aragona asks Eric Mack to explore his views on what socialism is and if it's the answer to the problems proponents say it can solve. References 1. “John Locke” by Eric Mack  Link: https://www.amazon.ca/John-Locke-Eric-Mack/dp/0826429815  2. “Libertarianism” by Eric Mack Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Libertarianism-Eric-Mack/dp/1509519297  3. “The Essential John Locke (Essential Scholars)” by Eric Mack  Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Essential-John-Locke-Scholars-ebook/dp/B0861HV225  4. “The Road

Sep 18, 2019 • 1:00:02

Paul Robinson — Does Military Intervention Work?

Alex Aragona chats with Paul Robinson as he offers his thoughts on whether or not military intervention works (and explores what is meant by "works"). References 1. IRRUSIANALITY  Link: https://irrussianality.wordpress.com/

Sep 11, 2019 • 1:11:00

Pierre Desrochers & Joanna Szurmak — Is Overpopulation Hurting the Planet?

Alex Aragona chats with Pierre Desrochers and Joanna Szurmak as they explore whether or not an increasing population necessarily harms the planet.  References from Episode 5 with Pierre Desrochers and Joanna Szurmak: You can purchase Pierre Desrochers and Joanna Szurmak’s book Population Bombed!: Exploding the Link Between Overpopulation and Climate Change on Amazon Canada at this link.  You can read Thomas Malthus’ book An Essay on the Principle of Population here. You can read Garrett Hardin’s

Sep 4, 2019 • 1:04:27

James Harrigan — Can We Have Principled Politicians?

Alex Aragona asks James Harrigan to explore his thoughts on whether or not we can have principled politicians that represent us. References from Episode 4 with James Harrigan: You can read more about James Madison’s thoughts on the importance of checks and balances, which James Harrigan refers to during the podcast, at this link.  You can read The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison for free on the online Library of Congress here. Herbert Croly’s book The Promise

Aug 28, 2019 • 59:12

Jacob Levy — Does a Liberal Society Need to be Democratic?

Alex Aragona and Jacob Levy explore Jacob's belief on whether or not a liberal society requires democratic institutions. References from Episode 3 with Jacob T. Levy: Check out the article Political Libertarianism by Jacob T. Levy here Buy the book Rationalism, Pluralism, and Freedom by Jacob T. Levy here

Aug 21, 2019 • 1:06:37

Peter Jaworski — Should Markets Have Limits?

Alex Aragona and Peter Jaworski explore Peter's perspective on what the limits of markets should be. The conversation also explores the ethics surrounding paid blood and plasma donations. References from Episode 2 with Peter Jaworski: Buy the book Markets Without Limits here Check out the Donation Ethics website here

Aug 14, 2019 • 57:28

Nigel Ashford — What is Classical Liberalism?

Alex Aragona and Nigel Ashford explore what Nigel considers to be the basic tenets of classical liberalism. References from Episode 1 with Nigel Ashford:  More on the Masterpiece Cakeshop case here Read up on the Doing Business Index rankings here Read On Liberty by John Stuart Mill here

Jul 29, 2019 • 1:01:05