Would people in Germany today be better off if the Nazis won? Would people in Japan be better off if Imperial Japan had won? In both cases I think it very unlikely. It is an easy mental shorthand to think of what a country "wants" by the actions of their government, or what is good… Continue reading Country vs People
Some Thoughts on Teaching
The longer I have taught, the more I agree with the sentiments of Socrates, that it is impossible to truly teach. If by teaching, one means the direct transference of knowledge from one person to another, it is an endeavor that is at best fruitless. Knowledge cannot be transferred for two reasons. First, true learning… Continue reading Some Thoughts on Teaching
Why I Live in China
Things I've gotten used to living in China that make it hard to leave -My students are an incredible cohort, many of them are deeply intellectually interested, they are honest, real, and they are very bright (my advanced class has an average SAT of 1510), I feel as if my teaching methods have largely developed… Continue reading Why I Live in China
What Truly Makes America Great
One of the things I like the most about America, is that in China it is obvious that I am not Chinese even if my Chinese is perfect (it it not). But in America, anyone of my students could be Americans, because what makes you an American is not about what group you belonged to… Continue reading What Truly Makes America Great
Learning Economics as a Way to Curb Resentment
I think one of the most important reasons to learn economics is that if it is done properly, it can help you extend your empathy. Also knowledge of economics, specifically that other’s gain is not your loss, consistently helps me curb my natural feelings of resentment. I was standing in line to pay for my… Continue reading Learning Economics as a Way to Curb Resentment
Maybe Not Meddle with Meddling Externalities
To begin, a meddling externality is where others would be willing to pay in order to change or outlaw the behavior of others, essentially people are willing to pay in order to meddle in the lives of others. In practice this kind of externality is no different than being willing to pay for breathing less… Continue reading Maybe Not Meddle with Meddling Externalities
How to be a Happy Sisyphus
This story is old enough that I finally feel comfortable enough sharing it. Sometimes it feels like I am cursed. I have a disease known as Ehlers Danlos III, which affects connective tissue, making it weaker. It isn't all downsides, as my extremely elastic nature has likely saved me from broken bones on more than… Continue reading How to be a Happy Sisyphus
What is a Moral Requirement?
You are walking home. In your pocket is the new iPhone XVIII plus, which cost you $2000, but it will be so worth it when everyone sees how cool you are. I mean, the new phone is a bit big, and it is stuck in your pocket currently, but just wait until you get a… Continue reading What is a Moral Requirement?
Repugnant Repugnancy
The repugnant conclusion is one of the clearest cases of realms where our natural moral intuition won't work. It is very easy to picture happier people it is impossible to meaningfully picture more people. We can't even feel a difference between the idea of a thousand people dying and millions. Our intuition is important but… Continue reading Repugnant Repugnancy
What Does More Mean?
Economic efficiency has some potential flaws, flaws I will certainly discuss but unfortunately most of the critiques of efficiency are not grounded on any real understanding. I still remember reading an article against "economic efficiency" that argued we should focus on higher quality rather than more which is... Anyway without further ado a crash course… Continue reading What Does More Mean?
Homo Economicish 