I think the statement “points to keep” in mind is currently my favourite thing around … however, I digress and I haven’t actually started the post yet. Over at the Dim Post Danyl has an interesting point, derived from this post: If some future entrepreneur invents a labour saving device that makes them a multi-trillionaire …
Category Archive: Philosophy
Permanent link to this article: http://www.tvhe.co.nz/2011/08/30/robots-uber-richness-unemployment-points-to-keep-in-mind/
Aug
23
2011
Strawman at the centre of the discussion of economics
In an article in the Herald it is suggested that the separation of economics from moral philosophy is morally abhorrent, and as a result we should ignore what economists say about tax. I will put the tl;dr up first: Economic theory is “descriptive” – which in turn allows us to discuss how economic theory is …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.tvhe.co.nz/2011/08/23/strawman-at-the-centre-of-the-discussion-of-economics/
Nov
16
2010
In defence of neo-classical economics
I have recently seen an increasing number of attacks on “neo-classical” economics from every section of the political spectrum. Last week, I heard a number of commentators at the sustainable economics conference claim that neo-classical economics was: Based on falsified views of the individual, Static, Had no supply side. Then I saw an attack on …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.tvhe.co.nz/2010/11/16/in-defence-of-neo-classical-economics/
Nov
16
2010
Seeing the future and determinism
As an economic forecaster, the idea of “seeing the future” is no doubt of interest to me. Combined with the fact that I have compared economic forecasting to tarot card reading, it would seem that I have a prior belief that the ability to see the future exists – but in fact, I very much …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.tvhe.co.nz/2010/11/16/seeing-the-future-and-determinism/
Nov
08
2010
Neuroscience, determinism, and free will
The title sounds serious, but I am (sadly) not capable of steering into too much detail in this subject matter. However, given that I have a rising interest in neuroeconomics I felt I should type something out about this quote (ht Andrew Sullivan): Dualists about the mind and brain – those who hold that there …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.tvhe.co.nz/2010/11/08/neuroscience-determinism-and-free-will/
Apr
27
2010
Universal healthcare and superannuation, and the cost of thinking ahead
If doing actions that reward a future self is perceived as costly could we justify these actions. If thinking about our wealth, human capital, or ability to live in 10 years time is inconceivable, will me over consume now? In essence this sort of discussion is saying that we discount our future selves TOO steeply …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.tvhe.co.nz/2010/04/27/universal-healthcare-and-superannuation-and-the-cost-of-thinking-ahead/
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