Economics

Archive for Economics

A Possible Flaw in the Way Economists Typically Solve Problems

I was helping some students study for an exam–the thing I was best at in my life was taking tests, so I always find ways to go back to that activity–and I encountered what may be a subtle inconsistency in the way economists typically solve these types of problems. But, before I decide whether I’ve […]

Airbnb: Regulation Without the State

My latest at FEE. An excerpt: If potential renters had perfect information and deliberated over such decisions with the discipline of a samurai, there would be little need for external rules or regulation. Owners could offer rooms of varying attributes (including price), and each renter would pick the option that he or she liked best. […]

Ludwig von Mises’ Contributions to Economic Science

A talk I gave at the International Students for Liberty Conference in DC a couple of months ago.

Contra Krugman Ep. 27 — Tom and I Talk Jobs & Trade

This one teaches some economics, just a heads up.

Tatiana and Bob Talk Economics

Sumner Trolls Krugman

A great post from Scott, when he goes after my favorite Keynesian. Here’s the zinger from Scott: [Scott quoting Krugman:] The one sense in which Ireland has made some progress is that it has somewhat reassured bond investors that its population will continue to sullenly acquiesce in austerity; as a result, Irish 10-year rates, while […]

Murphy Growth Plan for St. Patrick’s Day

Actually the article ran yesterday but I didn’t notice until today… My latest at FEE takes up the Gerald Friedman conundrum. An excerpt: Turning to students: according to the Census Bureau, about 17 million are enrolled in high school. Assume that with no coercion and with plenty of entry-level jobs (thanks to abolition of the […]

Questions for Keynesians and Market Monetarists

In my never-ending quest to achieve total magnanimity, I gently ask the following questions to make sure I understand how rival camps view the world. (1) To the Keynesians: I understand the point that “Ricardian Equivalence,” even if true, would not undermine the boost to current Aggregate Demand from a large government budget deficit. For […]