Cognitive Bias... contd

Following up on my earlier observation, the plan is to be able to 'listen' to completely polarized viewpoints. With that in mind, have subscribed to two podcasts:

1. www.econtalk.org (as libertarian as it gets ....)

2. After looking for some time for a liberal opinion (i.e. left of centre), finally settled on LSE lecture series. Not the best option, but at least it provides a counter-balance to Econtalk.

Two quick conclusions (fairly obvious):

1. Social sciences can be very, very grey - probably this is what makes it interesting.

2. In areas like economics (esp. political economics), this greyness injects a huge element of uncertainty in all decision making. Again makes for interesting intellectual stimulation - at the same time, makes public policy a complicated affair.

All this serendipity has led to a plan to start reading 'Theory of Moral Sentiments', the 'other' book that Adam Smith wrote. Essentially a broad canvas covering the entire moral, ethical and economic framework for human and social thought and action. Should be an interesting read. Econtalk is also carrying a book discussion and might join in.