What it's about
The Curious Task is a podcast by the Institute for Liberal Studies exploring economics, politics, philosophy, and more from a classical liberal perspective.
The name comes from FA Hayek (one of our favourite economists) who wrote that “The curious task of economics is to demonstrate to men how little they really know about what they imagine they can design.”
Each episode will feature a conversation between host Alex Aragona and a rotating cast of guests as they dive into philosophy, politics, economics, and the application of classical liberal ideas to contemporary issues.
Latest Episodes
- Ep. 112: Victor M. Muniz-Fraticelli - Is Monarchy Absurd?October 20, 2021 at 6:00 am
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.
- Ep. 111: Maria Pia Paganelli - Why Read The Wealth of Nations?October 13, 2021 at 6:00 am
Alex Aragona speaks with Maria Pia Paganelli as she sheds light on the historical context of Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations, and some of the surprising insights within it that make it more relevant than ever today.
- Ep. 110: Emily Nacol — Is Politics Risky Business?October 6, 2021 at 6:00 am
Alex Aragona speaks with Emily Nacol as she breaks down both the origins and contemporary puzzles of the concept of risk.
- Ep. 109: Andrew Sabl — What Is Realist Liberalism?September 29, 2021 at 6:00 am
Alex Aragona speaks with Andrew Sabl as he explores what he means by "realist liberalism" and how it works to curb some of the misguided tendencies of other liberalisms.
- Ep. 108: Michelle Schwarze — Should We Sympathize With Resentment?September 22, 2021 at 6:00 am
Alex Aragona speaks with Michelle Schwarze as she presents what she means by resentment, and whether there is a place for it in politics.