Michael Blastland
speaker
745 appearances
4 recordings
1 series
first heard Mar 2011
last heard Aug 2011
Michael Blastland’s voice in public audio — every appearance, attributed to the second.
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Appearances
said the economist to the archbishop from the same hymn sheet.
They're both arguing against what they tell us is the rival gospel of the spreadsheet.
It's a plausible story of economics, but how many of us, like John Kay, are prepared to say that morality might cost us?
Because here's what nags at me.
I've seldom met anyone who thinks that the state should help people more, for moral reasons, of course, who didn't also argue that the economy would be better if it did.
And I don't think I've ever met a believer in the morality of self-reliance, keeping the state out of our lives, who didn't argue with uncanny conformity that economic prosperity compels us to cut government.
Our morality always seems efficient.
Funny that.
My hunch is that this alignment explains a lot.
Inside economics, even when it pleads dry utility, is often a moral instinct trying to get out.
I've come to my old school, Tring, in Hertfordshire.
A few ghosts here.
It's been about, oh, I don't know, too many decades to mention.
And I'm going to ask them a question about morality and economics, of course.
Here's the question, devised by Amartya Sen, an economist, and set to Wendy Davis' Year 13 economics class.
Three people, equally qualified for a job.
For Alice, the poorest, work provides the biggest increase in welfare.
Jane, the unhappiest, would have the biggest increase in happiness.
Emily, the most unhealthy, could pay for treatment and most improve her health.
So, who gets the job?
Showing 701–720 of 745 · page 36 of 38
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