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

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 Social Philosophy and Policy, 2025)

"The Theory of Moral Sentiments" by Adam Smith

"If You're an Egalitarian, How Come You're So Rich?" by Gerry Cohen

"The Case Against Education: Why the Education System Is a Waste of Time and Money" by Bryan Caplan

World Values Survey

World Happiness Report

Human Progress Newsletter

Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

Today, we're revisiting this special Christmas episode of The Curious Task from 2019.

References from Episode 21 with Alex Tabbarok

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

"Modernizing Ontario’s Alcohol Retail System" by Sabine El-Chidiac and David Clement

"Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity" by Thomas Babor et al.

LCBO Historical Documents

"Alcohol: Science, Policy and Public Health" by Peter Boyle et al.

Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) Wholesale Model

"Free to Choose: A Personal Statement" by Milton Friedman and Rose Friedman

Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) Model

Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit patreon.com/curioustask.

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.

Danny Leroy's Publications

"The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek

Milton Friedman on Greed (Donahue Show, 1979)

Statistics Canada Data on Grocery Prices

"Prices and Production" by Friedrich Hayek

Austrian Economics and the Boom-Bust Cycle

"The Road to Serfdom" by Friedrich Hayek

Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.

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.

Brian Albrecht's Substack, Economic Forces

"Rebellion, Rascals, and Revenue: Tax Follies and Wisdom Through the Ages" by Michael Keen and Joel Slemrod

"The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek

"The Theory of Moral Sentiments" by Adam Smith

"Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy" by Thomas Sowell

"Antitrust Paradox: A Policy at War with Itself" by Robert H. Bork

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.

Matt Zwolinski's Substack, Bleeding Heart Libertarian

"Coercion and Distribution in a Supposedly Non-Coercive State" by Robert Hale (1923)

"The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek

"23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism" by Ha-Joon Chang

"The Myth of Ownership: Taxes and Justice" by Liam Murphy and Thomas Nagel

"Tyranny, Inc." by Sohrab Ahmari

"The Individualists: Radicals, Reactionaries, and the Struggle for the Soul of Libertarianism" by Matt Zwolinski and John Tomasi

Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.

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.

“The Theory of Moral Sentiments” by Adam Smith

Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Theory-Moral-Sentiments-Adam-Smith/dp/0143105922 

“The Strategy of Conflict” With a New Preface by the Author” by Thomas Schellin

Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Strategy-Conflict-Thomas-C-Schelling/dp/0674840313 

“Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action” by Elinor Ostrom

Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Governing-Commons-Evolution-Institutions-Collective/dp/1107569788 

“The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference” by Malcolm Gladwell

Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Tipping-Point-Little-Things-Difference/dp/0316346624 

“The Rise of Decline of Nations” by Mancur Olson

Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Rise-Decline-Nations-Stagflation-Rigidities/dp/0300030797

Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.

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 Valeria Morea

Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Realizing-Values-Art-Cultural-Society/dp/3031245970 

Erwin Dekker's Website

“Two approaches to study the value of art and culture, and the emergence of a third” by Erwin Dekker

Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10824-014-9237-y 

"The Value of Culture: On the Relationship between Economics and Arts" by Arjo Klamer

"Arts and Economics: Analysis and Cultural Policy" by Bruno S. Frey

"Art and the Market: Roger Fry on Commerce in Art" by Crauford D. Goodwin

"Creative Destruction: How Globalization is Changing the World’s Cultures" by Tyler Cowen

"What Price Fame?" by Tyler Cowen

Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.

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 

“The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization” by Peter T. Coleman

Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Way-Out-Overcome-Toxic-Polarization/dp/0231197403 

“High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out” by Amanda Ripley

Link: https://www.amazon.ca/High-Conflict-Why-Get-Trapped/dp/1982128569 

“Elements of Justice” by David Schmidtz

Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Elements-Justice-David-Schmidtz/dp/0521539366 

“The Polarization Detox Challenge” by Starts With Us

Explore more at: https://startswith.us/pdc/#:~:text=Coleman%2C%20Ph.,and%20solving%20problems%20across%20differences 

“Family and the Politics of Moderation: Private Life, Public Goods, and the Rebirth of Social Individualism” by Lauren Hall

Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Science-Family-Politics-Moderation-Policies/dp/0367523267

Thanks to our patrons including: Amy Willis, Kris Rondolo, and Christopher McDonald.