How whiskey beat the academy. 👀

View this email in your browser

Econlib Newsletter
October 2022

It's a beautiful fall day with just a bit of a chill in the air. A perfect day to read our newsletter while curled up with a glass of...whiskey???

Today on EconTalk, host Russ Roberts sits down with former professor Sonat Birnecker Hart, who left the academy and became a craft whiskey distiller. She explains that the heart is the key to great flavor–when making whiskey, and when making the right choices in life.

After that, take a look at our newest batch of articles, including a critical look at the division of labor, an optimistic take on how blockchain can improve our healthcare system, and two new book reviews.

Arnold Kling will again host an online discussion based on his new review on Wednesday, October 19 from 1-2pm EST with special guest John Cochrane. Registration is free, but required. Click here to secure your spot. We hope to see you there!

Lots of great new posts have gone up at EconLog, with more new contributors. Stop by every day to see the latest and enter the conversation in our moderated comments section. We love to hear from you!

Until next month, stay well, and stay curious.

NEW Econlib Articles
October 2022

Division of Labor and
the Diminution of Man

By Richard Gunderman

For physician and philosopher Richard Gunderman, the ancient allegory of the blind men and the elephant illustrates many of the problems with the practice of medicine today. Is the age of hyper-specialization in which we live diminishing our prospects for human flourishing? Read More.

Implementing the
“Right to Privacy”—Privately
By Walter Donway

Your medical history and records are among the things you most want kept private. But sometimes this protection can lead to redundant (and expensive!) treatments and appointments. Can blockchain technology help? Read More.

Social Justice as a
Tribal Remainder
By Pierre Lemieux

For Friedrich Hayek, the free market economy was more than just efficient–it was also morally justified. This month, Pierre Lemieux explores the second volume of Hayek's Law, Legislation, and Liberty trilogy, with special attention paid to how Hayek conceived the role of justice in the free society. Read More .

A Keynesian's
Macroeconomic History

By Arnold Kling

Two economists who worked for the Congressional Budget Office in its early days have each written a memoir about the shifting landscape of macroeconomics since that time. This month, Kling, the author of one of these memoirs, reviews Alan Blinder's new memoir. (And yes, you can read Kling's memoir, too.) Read More.

EconTalk: Conversations for the Curious

Erik Hoel on Effective Altruism, Utilitarianism, and the Repugnant Conclusion

Neuroscientist Erik Hoel talks about why he is not an "effective altruist" with EconTalk host, Russ Roberts. Hoel argues that the utilitarianism that underlies effective altruism–a movement co-founded by Will MacAskill and Peter Singer–is a poison that inevitably leads to repugnant conclusions and thereby weakens the case for the strongest claims made by effective altruists. Explore more.

More Recent Episodes:

Explore EconTalk-Extras on select episodes.

One Session Virtual Reading Group
Teaching in the Spirit of Liberty

How can we ensure that the free market remains a relevant alternative to the myriad of government interventions and regulations that are often the focus of the diagramming, policy analysis, and calculations that dominate the Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Introduction to Micro and Macro courses at colleges?

Adam Smith described free markets as "an obvious and simple system of natural liberty." He did not favor the landowner, the factory owner, or the worker, but rather all of society. He saw, however, self-defeating forces at work, preventing the full operation of the free market and undermining the wealth of all nations.
Let’s discuss how we can promote Smith's spirit of liberty and our responsibility in our classrooms to inspire student inquiry and attention to becoming free and responsible individuals in our global society.

Pre-registration is required. The required readings are available online.