Published Feb 24, 2020

Richard Robb on Willful

Explore the limitations of traditional economic models with Richard Robb as he introduces 'for-itself' behavior, highlighting decision-making driven by meaningfulness over rational optimization, and the profound roles of altruism and identity in shaping human actions.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Dexa/Russ Roberts

Richard Robb on Willful

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Altruistic Gestures

Finding Meaning at Work

The Cost of Bailouts

Abstraction and Judgment

The Paradox of Choice

Care Altruism

Human Factors in Finance

The Value of Sports

The Three Ways

The Good Samaritan's Dilemma

The Power of Kindness

Nietzsche's Influence

Analyzing Career Paths

Financial Crisis Insights

Episode Highlights

Decision-Making Models

Role of Altruism

Human Motivation

Related Episodes

Robert Sapolsky on Determinism, Free Will, and Responsibility

Rob Wiblin and Russ Roberts on Charity, Science, and Utilitarianism

Russ Roberts and Mike Munger on Wild Problems

Phil Rosenzweig on Leadership, Decisions, and Behavioral Economics

Russ Roberts (and Robin Hanson) on Truth and Economics

Purpose, Pleasure, and Meaning in a World Without Work (with Nicholas Bostrom)

Russ Roberts and Michael Munger on How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life

Walter Williams on Life, Liberty and Economics

John Allison on Strategy, Profits, and Self-Interest

Joel Waldfogel on Markets, Choice, and the Tyranny of the Market

Russ Roberts on the Price of Everything

Deirdre McCloskey on Capitalism and the Bourgeois Virtues

Arnold Kling on Morality, Culture, and Tribalism

Will Davies on the Economics, Economists, and the Limits of Neoliberalism

Richard Jones on Transhumanism

Richard Robb on Willful

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Decision-Making ModelsRichard Robb explores the limitations of traditional economic models that assume rational decision-making. He introduces the concept of 'for-itself' behavior, emphasizing actions that are meaningful without deliberate optimization.

Decision-Making Models

Role of AltruismRichard Robb examines the multifaceted nature of altruism, distinguishing between purposeful and spontaneous acts. He delves into how these behaviors reflect deeper human impulses beyond mere utility maximization.

Role of Altruism

Human MotivationRichard Robb explores how work provides meaning beyond financial gain and how personal beliefs shape decision-making. He challenges traditional economic models by emphasizing the role of identity and spontaneous actions in human behavior.

Human Motivation

Related Episodes