Bob Murphy

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If Bryan Caplan Had His Way, We Would Never Have Heard of David Henderson

Bryan Caplan argues that because most people don’t remember or use algebra as adults, it fails a cost-benefit test and shouldn’t be taught. Bryan acknowledges that people who go on to take calculus retain their knowledge of algebra even into adulthood, but doesn’t draw the obvious inference–that people with mathematical aptitude first take algebra, and […]

It’s On: Murphy-Sumner Debate Begins in January 2013

Holy cow, I totally forgot to announce the news: I proposed to Scott Sumner that instead of a live video debate, instead we have a 3-part exchange. Each month, I will write a 2000 – 2500 word blog post challenging his views on NGDP targeting, to which he will respond with whatever length he desires. […]

Why Dean Baker and Paul Krugman Were Wrong on the Debt Burden for At Least 11 Months

By this point, those of you who have been reading Free Advice should understand exactly what Don Boudreaux and Nick Rowe were saying, when Dean Baker and then Paul Krugman last year first started up the Great Debt Debate. What is still extremely interesting to me personally, is how many economics bloggers have concluded that […]

Quotable Quote on Debt Burdens

It really clicked for me when I summarized my Freeman article this way: If an imperialist government paid for popular spending programs by levying a tax not on its own citizens but on a conquered land, the scheme would of course be a gigantic theft working across space and through the currency markets. Deficit finance […]

Debt Burden: Old Murphy vs. Young Murphy

Just to warn you, kids, there are at least another 3 posts in me on this topic. But it’s all new stuff. It’s kind of like every time they came out with a new Matrix: It wasn’t nearly as exciting as the first one you viewed, but you had to keep watching to the bitter […]

Murphy Talks to Yukon Boys About Anarchy

I am going to be on the Gadsen Rising show–which I believe is out of Alaska–from 4:30pm – 5:30pm Eastern time. I think they want to talk about private law and defense. You can stream it here.

Tatianna Has a Special Request for YOU

For realz, come to Nashville on November 3. In fact, come the day before–Friday November 2, as I will be organizing a special karaoke outing. All the cool kids are doing it.

A Post on Debt Burdens for Professional Economists

OK I gather that most people are moving on with their lives, so I’d better make this post now on everyone’s favorite question, “Does the government’s debt impose a burden on our grandchildren?” In this post, I want to explain why, as of Friday October 12, and after Nick Rowe went head-to-head against Brad DeLong, […]