Licence to be Bad

Résumé du livre

Jonathan Aldred is a fellow at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge, where he teaches economics and land economy. His first book, The Skeptical Economist, was published in 2009 and examines the ethics that lie behind economics.

In exploring the complexities of human behavior and economic theories, we see how incentives, penalties, and policies often yield unexpected outcomes. From Haifa’s childcare fines to the UK’s plastic bag charge, the effectiveness of measures hinges on communication and public perception. Similarly, Richard Titmuss’ research on blood donation reveals that motivations extend beyond monetary rewards, while Isaiah Berlin’s insights remind us that choices don’t always equate to freedom. Economic ideologies, like those of the Chicago School, have shaped global policies but often deflect accountability, as seen in the 2007 financial crisis and climate change inaction. Game theory’s focus on self-interest and free-rider thinking further underscores the tension between individual gain and collective good. Meanwhile, figures like Gary Becker and James M. Buchanan have applied economic logic to realms like immigration, justice, and governance, with mixed results. These examples highlight the limitations of reducing human behavior to purely rational or economic terms, urging us to reconsider the broader implications of such frameworks.

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