In Economics Explored EP109, Dr John Atkins, philosopher and Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Queensland, provides great insights into the nature of truth, an important topic to discuss in this time of big debates over the pandemic and climate change, among other issues. Dr Atkins highlights the importance of trust, probabilistic thinking (i.e. thinking not necessarily about truth but our level of certainty in a fact), and the Socratic method. Show host Gene Tunny shares his own views on the nature of truth, including his commitment to being “radically open-minded”, a stance promoted by legendary investor Ray Dalio (see Principles).  Also joining the conversation is regular Economics Explored guest Tim Hughes, Business Development Manager at Adept Economics and founder of Urban Ergo. 

About this episode’s guest - Dr John Atkins

Dr John Atkins is an Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, at the University of Queensland. His research interests include Wittgenstein, Quietism, and Institutional Integrity. He has a PhD from the University of Queensland.

Links relevant to the conversation

EP101 – How do we know what’s true or why trust science?

Ray Dalio says going broke in 1982 was the ‘best thing that ever happened’ to him

Helgoland by Carlo Rovelli (book on Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and Quantum Physics mentioned by Gene)

Thanks to the show’s audio engineer Josh Crotts for his assistance in producing the episode. Check out his Upwork profile here:

https://www.upwork.com/o/profiles/users/~01ce8c1d226cc8909e/

Please get in touch with any questions, comments and suggestions by emailing us at [email protected]. Economics Explored is available via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, and other podcasting platforms.