Episodes
Tuesday Dec 31, 2013
Episode 57: Electric Current and Circuits
Tuesday Dec 31, 2013
Tuesday Dec 31, 2013
We begin with a discussion of basic electrical phenomena such as current, voltage, resistance and power, before applying these ideas to the analysis of circuits, including series and parallel circuits. We then apply these concepts to understand a number of interesting phenomena, including light bulbs, lightning, and why electricity can be dangerous. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 43: Electric Forces and Fields.
Friday Dec 27, 2013
Episode 56: The Gains from Trade
Friday Dec 27, 2013
Friday Dec 27, 2013
A discussion of the notion of trade and exchange, including the purpose of these activities, the gains from trade, and the role of comparative advantage. I also examine some recent trends in global trade, and briefly discuss some of the major global trade institutions such as the WTO and World Bank and their role in attempting to reduce trade barriers. The episode concludes with a brief discussion of the concept of 'Buy Local'. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 12: The Price System.
Monday Dec 23, 2013
Episode 55: Sex and Gender Part 2
Monday Dec 23, 2013
Monday Dec 23, 2013
Continuing on from the previous episode, I discuss some of the biological determinants of gender differences, including hormonal effects on interests and behaviour, and structural differences in the brain. I then examine a number of more specific topics pertinent to the issue of gender differences, including occupational segregation, women in science and technology, emotional differences, and differences in conversational form and topics.
Saturday Dec 21, 2013
Episode 54: Sex and Gender Part 1
Saturday Dec 21, 2013
Saturday Dec 21, 2013
In this first of our two part series on sex and gender, I discuss the scientific evidence regarding some of the major behavioral and social differences between men and women, and examine the degree to which these can be explained by differential socialization and bias and discrimination. I also discuss the treatment of women in the workplace and how gender stereotypes serve to inhibit female advancement into higher positions.
Tuesday Dec 10, 2013
Episode 53: Sound and Music
Tuesday Dec 10, 2013
Tuesday Dec 10, 2013
We begin with a discussion of the essential nature of sound as pressure waves in air, discussing matters such as the speed of sound, harmonic frequencies, loudness, standing waves, and the Doppler effect. We then apply these basic principles to understand the nature of music, and why different musical instruments sound different. Also discussed are the various aspects of music, including beat, pitch, melody, timbre, etc, and the differences between woodwind, percussion, brass, and string instruments. Recommended prelistening is Episode 24: Vibrations and Waves