PODCAST

The Curious Task

Institute for Liberal Studies

We explore philosophy, politics, economics, and other ideas from a classical liberal perspective.

education social sciences

All Episodes

52:16

Ryan Thorpe and Matt Bufton - Is There A Role For A...

The Curious Task ·

2025/01/29

Alex Aragona moderates a discussion with Ryan Thorpe and Matt Bufton about the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and its relevance in today’s world. They explore the CBC’s historical mission to promote Canadian culture and information, its struggles to meet its mandate, and the challenges posed by media fragmentation and perceived biases. The conversation also touches on the roles of private media, government funding, and the rise of independent outlets as alternatives to a state

54:50

Steve Davies - Why Is Politics Today So Weird?

The Curious Task ·

2025/01/22

In this episode, host Matt Bufton interviews historian Steve Davies about the political realignment happening across the Western world. Steve explains how traditional divisions in politics, such as socialism versus capitalism, have been replaced by a new axis centered on nationalism versus globalism. He critiques both "national collectivism" and "technocratic liberal progressivism" while discussing the implications for classical liberalism. The conversation also touches on the influence of leaders

57:44

Jacob Levy - Why Is Montesquieu Important For...

The Curious Task ·

2025/01/15

In this conversation from 2021, Alex speaks with Jacob Levy about Montesquieu's role in shaping contemporary political science, the American revolutionary project, and the role of the separation of powers as a bulwark against despotism. References 1. “Rationalism, Pluralism, and Freedom” by Jacob Levy Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Rationalism-Pluralism-Freedom-Jacob-Levy/dp/0198808917 2. “The Multiculturalism of Fear” by Jacob

57:13

Victor M. Muniz-Fraticelli - Is Monarchy Absurd?

The Curious Task ·

2025/01/08

In this episode from 2021, Alex Aragona speaks with Victor M. Muniz-Fraticelli about whether the monarchy might seem absurd, and whether a little absurdity can be a good thing. References 1. “The Monarchy and the Constitution” by Vernon Bogdanor Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Monarchy-Constitution-Vernon-Bogdanor/dp/0198293348

51:06

Neera Badhwar - Are Liberal Societies More Moral And...

The Curious Task ·

2025/01/01

Alex speaks with Neera Badhwar about her forthcoming paper, “There are Divinities in Liberal Market Societies Too,” exploring how liberal societies enable prosperity, intellectual virtue, and moral growth. Neera discusses key concepts like happiness and flourishing, critiques thinkers like Gerry Cohen, and reflects on the role of free markets and limited government in fostering human well-being. References "There are Divinities in Liberal Market Societies Too" by Neera Badhwar (forthcoming in

42:31

Alex Tabarrok — Is Giving Gifts Inefficient?

The Curious Task ·

2024/12/25

Today, we're revisiting this special Christmas episode of The Curious Task from 2019. --- Alex Aragona chats with Alex Tabarrok on this very special Christmas episode of The Curious Task as he explores whether gift giving is inefficient, and if there are better ways to give to others. References from Episode 21 with Alex Tabbarok You can watch a video of Alex Tabbarok and Tyler Cowen discuss gift giving here Giving to my Wild Self article can be found here

51:34

Sabine El-Chidiac - What's Wrong With The LCBO?

The Curious Task ·

2024/12/18

Alex speaks with Sabine El-Chidiac about the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), exploring its historical context, operational inefficiencies, and the potential for reforming its structure. Sabine draws on her co-authored report to outline economic benefits and practical reforms, while also critiquing the LCBO's moral and historical failings. The conversation highlights broader themes of government overreach, consumer choice, and economic modernization.References Sabine's article in the Spec

26:34

Danny LeRoy - Why Are Groceries So Expensive?

The Curious Task ·

2024/12/11

Alex speaks with Danny Leroy about inflation in Canada, with a focus on the rising price of groceries. Danny explains how monetary expansion and government policies have driven up grocery prices and other costs, emphasizing the role of the Bank of Canada in creating money and the cascading effects this has on different sectors of the economy. Danny and Alex then discuss potential policy changes to address rising costs and improve the purchasing power of Canadians.References Danny Leroy's

49:40

Brian Albrecht - What Can Policy Makers Learn From...

The Curious Task ·

2024/12/04

Matt speaks with Brian Albrecht about how policymakers can think more like economists by emphasizing the role of prices, trade-offs, and unintended consequences in shaping effective policies. Brian and Matt discuss tax policies, antitrust laws, and some very silly tariffs to illustrate the importance of applying economic reasoning to address societal challenges while minimizing inefficiencies.References Brian Albrecht's Substack, Economic Forces Link:

01:00:44

Matt Zwolinski - Is There Such A Thing As A Free Market?

The Curious Task ·

2024/11/27

Alex speaks with Matt Zwolinski about whether a truly "free market" exists, delving into concepts of freedom, coercion, and property rights. They examine critiques of markets from left-leaning thinkers, such as Robert Hale, as well as conservative perspectives, while discussing libertarian approaches to balancing coercion and freedom in market societies. Zwolinski also references his own Substack essays and reflects on ideas for minimizing coercion without dismissing critiques.References Matt

41:22

Nimish Adhia - Is Tipping A Good Practice?

The Curious Task ·

2024/11/20

Alex speaks with Nimish Adhia about the practice of tipping, exploring its cultural and economic implications, as well as its persistence despite widespread criticism from various stakeholders. Adhia discusses the historical origins of tipping, its impact on workers and customers, and coordination problems that prevent its abolition, referencing his own case study on the topic. References “The Theory of Moral Sentiments” by Adam Smith Link:

01:00:22

Erwin Dekker - What Is The Value Of Art?

The Curious Task ·

2024/11/13

Alex speaks with Erwin Dekker about the economics and philosophy of art, examining various theories on how art derives its value. Dekker explores perspectives from classical liberal thinkers, discussing the role of market forces, cultural significance, and individual perception in determining the worth of art, as well as how art's intangible qualities challenge traditional economic valuation.References "Realizing the Values of Art: Making Space for Cultural Civil Society" by Erwin Dekker and

50:12

Lauren Hall - What Is Radical Moderation?

The Curious Task ·

2024/11/06

Matt speaks with Lauren Hall about "radical moderation," a framework that encourages moving beyond binary thinking in social and political issues. Hall explains her framework, which helps individuals navigate complex situations by fostering curiosity, empathy, and creative thinking. They also discuss the roles of community, parenting, and social psychology in moderating polarized views.Episode Notes: "Radical Moderation" by Lauren Hall Find more at: https://radicalmoderatesguide.substack.com "The

49:08

Elias Khalil - Who Was Ibn Khaldûn?

The Curious Task ·

2024/10/30

Alex speaks with Elias Khalil about the influential ideas of Ibn Khaldun, delving into Khaldun's theories on the rise and fall of civilizations, the nature of political communities, and the importance of solidarity (Asabiyya). Khalil connects these insights to classical liberal thought and the works of Adam Smith, emphasizing Khaldun’s impact on understanding political order as a product of social dynamics rather than divine intervention.References 1. "The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History" by

55:22

Larry White - What Is Free Banking?

The Curious Task ·

2024/10/23

Matt speaks with Larry White about the principles of free banking, focusing on how competitive banking systems can operate without centralized control. Larry highlights historical examples and the theoretical frameworks supporting free banking, emphasizing the benefits of decentralized monetary systems. References "The Theory of Free Banking: Money Supply under Competitive Note Issue" by Larry White Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Theory-Free-Banking-Supply-Competitive/dp/091396913X "Free Banking in

56:36

Alex Edmans - How Do Stories, Stats And Studies...

The Curious Task ·

2024/10/16

Alex speaks with Alex Edmans about his book May Contain Lies, examining the widespread issue of misinformation and exploring how factors like confirmation bias, cognitive shortcuts, and misleading statistics can shape public opinion. They discuss practical strategies for identifying and avoiding misinformation, along with the broader societal impact of misinterpreted data.References "May Contain Lies" by Alex Edmans Link: https://a.co/d/aX2AJ0I "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman Link:

59:31

Mike Munger - Is Capitalism Sustainable?

The Curious Task ·

2024/10/09

In 2020, Alex spoke with Mike Munger about the sustainability of capitalism. We're republishing that very important conversation today. --- Alex Aragona talks with Mike Munger as he explores his views on the sustainability of capitalism and the factors that contribute to it. References from Episode 23 with Michael Munger You can order Michael Munger’s book Is Capitalism Sustainable on Amazon Canada here You can order his book Tomorrow 3.0 on Amazon Canada here

54:16

Ep. 248: Jeffrey Miron - Should Government Discourage...

The Curious Task ·

2024/10/02

Matt speaks with Jeffrey Miron about the justice and effectiveness of "sin taxes," evaluating whether taxes on goods like alcohol, tobacco, and sugary drinks achieve their intended public health goals or whether they unfairly restrict individual choice. The conversation explores the ethical implications of using taxation as a tool for social engineering and questions the actual impact these policies have on behavior.References "Should Governments Try to Reduce Sin?" by Jeffrey Miron Link:

59:22

Ep. 247: Adam Lovasz - Is Spontaneous Order Just A...

The Curious Task ·

2024/09/25

Alex speaks with Ádám Lovász about the concept of spontaneous order, examining its philosophical roots in thinkers like Hayek and exploring its applications beyond human societies, including ecosystems and insect colonies, as well as its implications for understanding the limitations of technocratic control in both markets and ecological systems. References Adam's Author Page on Amazon Link:

57:26

Ep. 246: Colin Craig - How Bad Is Canadian Healthcare?

The Curious Task ·

2024/09/18

Matt speaks with Colin Craig about the Canadian healthcare system, discussing its inefficiencies, long wait times, and potential reforms, while comparing it to healthcare models in other countries and offering practical suggestions for improvement. References Health Reform Now - the documentary that informs much of this conversation: Link: https://secondstreet.org/new-documentary-health-reform-now/ "Universal Health Care: What the United States Can Learn from the United Kingdom" by Karen

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