Category Archives: Economics

Does the institution of slavery refute the Coase Theorem?

Posted on August 14, 2014 by F. E. Guerra-Pujol

We think it does … because slaves by definition are unable to bargain for their freedom. Our colleague and good friend Glen Whitman says it does not … read his reasons and our objections to his argument in the comments section to … Continue reading →

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Haitian Zombies and Slave Economics

Posted on August 13, 2014 by F. E. Guerra-Pujol

Originally posted on Economics of the Undead:
This article on Haitian zombies, which includes a history of attempts to explain their existence in scientific terms, reminds us that zombie folklore is historically inseparable from slavery.  Haitian zombies were created not…

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Why doesn’t the Coase Theorem work in Gaza?

Posted on August 7, 2014 by F. E. Guerra-Pujol

The “Coase Theorem” is a beautiful prediction or simple model from the world of academic economics that does not always hold up in the real world. (Look it up.) (Bonus link: check out our related research on this topic “Does the Prisoner’s … Continue reading →

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The logic of collective action: why airline tickets are non-transferable

Posted on August 2, 2014 by F. E. Guerra-Pujol

Christopher Elliott wrote up this report exploring the reasons why airline tickets are non-transferable. Here’s fake reason #1: Airlines don’t allow name changes for two reasons, according to Victoria Day, a spokeswoman for Airlines for America, an industry trade group. The … Continue reading →

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Reading The New Yorker

Posted on July 31, 2014 by F. E. Guerra-Pujol

Originally posted on Book of words:
The New Yorker folks have been sharing some love with its readers recently, particularly so if you do enjoy reading longer pieces like myself. This summer, the American weekly magazine will overhaul the design…

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The science of aircraft boarding

Posted on July 24, 2014 by F. E. Guerra-Pujol

Roya Wolverson explains in this short essay why boarding a commercial airplane “feels unfair and chaotic”: If your aircraft boarding experience feels totally random, that may be because it is. Random boarding is a scientific method (pdf) invented in 2008 by a frustrated Illinois-based astrophysicist named Jason Steffen who, … Continue reading →

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“Economics of the Undead” update

Posted on July 18, 2014 by F. E. Guerra-Pujol

Pssst … The “undead” have their own live blog now. So, if you are fascinated by vampire behavior or just want to prepare for the inevitable zombie apocalypse, check out econdead.com. Tell your friends too, but please enjoy responsibly.

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