Shermer and Stephenson discuss various topics including professional and science fiction writing, the interplay of genetics, environment, and luck in shaping lives, historical contingencies, the development and ethics of the atomic bomb, geopolitical concepts like the Hobbesian Trap and Mutual Assured Destruction, cryptocurrency, AI and the Singularity, mind uploading, human evolution, future political systems on Mars, and philosophical concepts such as Fallibilism and Platonic realism.
Shermer and Chow discuss a comprehensive overview of money’s evolving landscape and future potential. They trace its progression from fiat currencies to cryptocurrencies, exploring Bitcoin’s rise and crypto’s utopian ideals. The conversation examines NFTs’ role in crypto’s popularity and downfall, Sam Bankman-Fried’s controversial career, and how crypto’s crash mirrored the 2008 financial crisis, revealing similar systemic issues despite promises of revolution.
Shermer and Skousen discuss: whether economics is politicized • Adam Smith and what he really said • how the economy really works • fiat money vs. gold standard money • inflation and what to do about it • experimental economics • regulation on capitalism • what the Fed does (or should do) • Modern Monetary Theory • bitcoin/cryptocurrency • monopolies, duopolies, and market capture • antitrust, trustbusting • What’s wrong with free market capitalism? • money, happiness, and meaningfulness.
What is money, what is it based on without a gold standard, and can cryptocurrency ever replace it? Why are young people so attracted to democratic socialism, and is there a better alternative? Should valuable goods and services such as college education, medical services, and transportation be made available to the public for free? What is the secret to the success of capitalist nations? Do economists offer any solution to the global warming threat? “America’s Economist,” Mark Skousen, helps make…
Shermer and Magnuson discuss: corporations and what they are for • LLCs • Roman corporations • medieval economics • banks • guilds • Credit Mobilier scandal • Dutch and British East India Companies • stocks, bonds, joint stock companies • monopolies, duopolies • assembly lines • multinationals • raiders • private equity firms • start-ups • antitrust, trustbusting • bankruptcy • bitcoin, cryptocurrency • Adam Smith’s critique of corporations • profit and market efficiency • slavery and economics • unions.
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