Topic: Philosophy

Review of Edward Younkins, Exploring Atlas Shrugged: Ayn Rand’s Magnum Opus

– October 2, 2021

“Atlas Shrugged It is a book filled with ideas that everyone should spend a lot of time considering, and Edward Younkins’ Exploring Atlas Shrugged: Ayn Rand’s Magnum Opus will make that pondering easier and more fruitful.” ~ Art Carden

Books, Economic Education, Philosophy

There’s No Such Thing as “Market Fundamentalism”

– September 24, 2021

“Minds Wide Shut provides a worthwhile introduction, but it calls for much more work. I would suggest to Morson and Schapiro that they revise the book to focus on true fundamentalist thinking and leave out their misleading and ill-conceived attack on ‘market fundamentalism.'” ~ George Leef

Crisis, History, Philosophy

When Diktats and Conscience Conflict

– September 21, 2021

“Grotius was a great liberal because he saw that everyone has moral agency, as an individual: Rulers are to be judged by the ruled. Everyone has the capacity and the responsibility to judge.” ~ Daniel B. Klein

Art and Culture, Economic Education, Philosophy

Some Classical Liberal Priors

– August 9, 2021

“A mark of wisdom is to be aware of one’s priors and to struggle to prevent these both from obstructing one’s own personal quest for a better understanding of reality, and from impeding productive discussion with other persons.” ~ Donald J. Boudreaux

Books, Economic Education, Philosophy

Seven Deadly Economic Sins: A Review

– June 10, 2021

“Seven Deadly Economic Sins is a must read for the general public, policymakers, and students of economics who wish to gain an understanding, at a philosophical level, of the economic fallacies that continue to circulate in common thought and among certain policymakers, along with a convincing rebuttal of each, placed in the context of why getting it right matters for human progress.” ~ David Waugh

Books, Philosophy

The Debate Between Conservatives and Libertarians

– April 28, 2021

“Most of the contributors to this book are deceased so we are left to speculate about what their views toward Covid lockdowns would be. I suspect most if not all would be astonished and horrified at the policy choices of this past year. These writers were not technocrats but humane and learned thinkers who focused on philosophy, law, history and economics. A principle that unites them all is the need for government never to sacrifice the liberties of the people for the sake of a grand experiment in material perfectionism – a principle we can reasonably suppose applies to pathogenic perfection as well.” ~ Jeffrey Tucker

Classical Liberalism, Government, Philosophy

The Foundations of American Political Thought

– February 26, 2021

“The three major schools of thought we outline all try to put forward a vision for society that prioritizes liberty and well-being. They have their own unique histories and doctrines that understanding not only enlightens one to their finer workings but also to the forces that shape human civilization. Understanding the intellectual foundations of these ideologies will not only elevate political discussion but lend greater clarity to the political forces and narratives driving change in society.” ~ Ethan Yang & Jack Nicastro

Art and Culture, Media, Philosophy

As Tom Brady Reaches His 10th Super Bowl, Does Inequality Still Bother You?

– January 28, 2021

“The unequal elevate those around them. Does anyone think the Patriots would have missed the playoffs had Brady stayed? Does anyone think the Buccaneers would be in the Super Bowl without Brady? Let’s be serious.” ~ John Tamny

Books, Economic Trends, Philosophy

David Goodhart’s Road to Somewhere

– July 13, 2020

“Goodhart frequently emphasizes that the trends in opinion that he reports are not figments of his imagination, but real opinions held by real people. That much seems accurate, and as a description of British political beliefs, his book makes useful contributions. He has failed to show why the fact that some people are convinced by hollow and harmful ideas make them valid, coherent, defensible, legitimate, or respectable. Some things just don’t hold up, no matter your tribe.” ~ Joakim Book

Crisis, Economic Theory, Fiscal Policy, Philosophy, Policy, Sound Banking

Free Down Payments and Subsidized Mortgages are Not Social Justice

– June 11, 2020

“Despite 50 years of debacles, politicians are still glorified for pretending that free downpayments and subsidized mortgages are “magic beans” that multiply social justice in America.” ~ James Bovard

Crisis, Economic Education, History, Philosophy

Tragedies of Our Time: Pandemic, Planning, and Racial Politics

– June 8, 2020

“The magnitude and depth of what has actually been experienced in declines in production and rises in unemployment have one and only one primary and singular source: the federal and especially state government-ordered shutdowns across the country.” ~ Richard Ebeling

Philosophy, Taxation

No, the Poor Don’t Pay Higher Taxes Than the Rich

– October 8, 2019

A new report in the New York Times claims the ultra-wealthy pay a lower tax rate than the poor. A closer look at tax statistics reveals that story is also likely wrong.