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, reciprocity, and justice emerge from human relationships rather than being imposed from the top down. 

References:

Meaningful Economics: Making the Science of Prosperity More Human by Bart Wilson

The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith

Knowledge and Decisions by Thomas Sowell

The Invisible Heart: An Economic Romance by Russell Roberts

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