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Episodes
I discuss a variety of topics in both the natural and social sciences, exploring the many fascinating insights that the scientific method yields about the world around us.
Episodes
Jul 1, 2020
Jul 1, 2020
1hr 25 min
In this sixth and final part in our series on economic growth and development, I discuss in more detail some of the key institutions necessary for economic growth to begin, focusing on property rights, enforcement of contracts, and control of corruption. I review the importance of these institutions in the context of historical case studies of countries ranging from the Soviet Union to Mexico, and outline how the most critical institutions vary with the level of development, giving rise to a middle income trap. I also discuss the Washington Consensus and critically analyse the arguments of critics that such institutional reform is not essential for growth. I conclude with a summary of all we have learned and discussed throughout the growth series. The recommended pre-listening is Episode 107: Economic Growth and Development Part V.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter.
https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor
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Jun 15, 2020
Jun 15, 2020
1hr 13 min
In this fifth part of our series on economic growth and development, I examine the major factors that have been advanced as explaining differences in growth outcomes between countries. I provide a summary of the arguments and evidence for and against the importance of culture, dependency, democracy, geography, education, and institutions in accounting for differential growth outcomes, and conclude with a comparative empirical analysis in which I argue that institutional differences explain the majority of growth differences. The Recommended pre-listening is Episode 106: Economic Growth and Development Part IV.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter.
May 31, 2020
May 31, 2020
1hr 10 min
In this fourth part of our series on economic growth and development, I outline the major theories of economic development developed over the past sixty years. I trace the development of such theories beginning with the Harrod-Domar theory, and proceeding through the Solow-Swan model, the Ramsey model, Romer's spillovers model, and endogenous growth theory, in each case discussing their key features, and analysing their strengths and weaknesses. The episode concludes with a brief survey of a range of more recent growth models focusing on modelling coordination failures and poverty traps, emphasising the work of Daron Acemoglu on economic institutions. The Recommended pre-listening is Episode 105: Economic Growth and Development Part III.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter.
May 16, 2020
May 16, 2020
43 min
Astrophysicist Mario Livio joins me to discuss his latest book 'Galileo and the Science Deniers', which chronicles the scientific discoveries of Galileo Galilei and how his advocacy of the heliocentric theory led him into confrontation with the Pope. Our conversation covers the significance of Galileo's discovers, the strengths and weaknesses of his case for the heliocentric theory, his role in establishing the modern scientific method, and what we can learn from this episode in history about the importance of intellectual freedom and science communication in the present day.
Check out Mario's book on Amazon.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter.
Apr 30, 2020
Apr 30, 2020
1hr 4 min
In this third part of the series on economic growth, I discuss the process of structural change as economies progress from underdeveloped to developed, beginning with an overview and historical analysis of Rostow's Stages of Growth model. I then discuss the structures of agricultural production around the world, focusing on barriers to adoption of more modern agricultural techniques and proposed reforms, such as adoption of cash crops, land reform, and improving the security of land tenure. I conclude with an analysis of the benefits and problems associated with urbanisation, incorporating a discussion of agglomeration economies, spillover effects, urban gigantism, and the informal urban sector. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 104: Economic Growth and Development Part II.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter.
Apr 13, 2020
Apr 13, 2020
1hr 12 min
In the second part of our series on economic growth and development, I provide a brief history of the world economy, beginning with the key features of premodern economies and the Malthusian trap. I then outline critical developments and points of debate in subsequent economic history, including the Great Divergence, the First and Second Industrial Revolutions, the Great Depression and era of central planning, the Bretton Woods era and the gold standard, and the modern period of neoliberalism and globalisation. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 103: Economic Growth and Development Part I.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter.
https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor
https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything
Mar 31, 2020
Mar 31, 2020
1hr 11 min
In this the first in an eight-part series covering the causes of economic growth and development, I provide an introduction to the key concepts of absolute and relative poverty, different theories of development, and how GDP is defined and measured. I also discuss the differences between rural and urban poverty, give an overview of the different levels of development of various countries around the world, and outline some of the major methodological challenges in studying causes of economic growth around the world. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 12: The Price System, and Episode 56: The Gains from Trade.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter.
Mar 11, 2020
Mar 11, 2020
39 min
Continuing the discussion of photosynthesis from the previous episode, here I outline the importance of the oxygen evolving complex in oxidising water molecules, the importance of photosystem I in extracting additional energy, and the role of light-independent reactions of the Calvin cycle in carrying out carbon fixation. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 101: Photosynthesis Part I.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter.
Feb 27, 2020
Feb 27, 2020
53 min
An overview of photosynthesis, including the structure of chloroplasts, phototransduction of energy by chlorophyll, the macromolecular complexes of the thylakoid membrane. I also discuss the mechanisms of electron transfer along the electron transport chain, and the role of ATP synthase in generating ATP. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 75: Cellular Respiration, Episode 32: Light and Optics, and Episode 18: Biochemistry Basics.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter.
Feb 12, 2020
Feb 12, 2020
26 min
A special episode in which I discuss some of the ideas and principles behind the production of the show, sources I use for episodes, and my motivations for starting the podcast. I also talk about my own background and research interests, my thoughts about the relationship between science and philosophy, and some ideas for the future of the Science of Everything Podcast.