Season 1

Understanding the Value of Value
March 31, 202638:49

Understanding the Value of Value

In this episode of the Debunking Economics podcast, Phil Dobbie and Steve Keen explore the core of economic theory: the definition of value. They contrast the classical cost of production theory with the neoclassical focus on subjective utility, arguing that while neoclassical models often fail mathematical rig...

Compound Growth in a Finite World
March 24, 202641:22

Compound Growth in a Finite World

This week Phil and Steve examine the concept of compound interest and its inextricable link to exponential growth in a world with finite resources. They discuss how interest was historically viewed as a sin—the crime of usury—across major religions until the industrial revolution provided the physical growth an...

Paying a war
March 17, 202635:17

Paying a war

Phil points out that the US is likely to spend $1.5 trilion on defense/offense spending this year. Acknowledging that sovereign currencies can essentially create money to fund defense, doesn’t there get a point where too much is just too much? A significant portion of this expenditure flows to major defense con...

Beyond the Barrel: Should We Windfall Tax Big Tech and Banks?
March 11, 202642:58

Beyond the Barrel: Should We Windfall Tax Big Tech and Banks?

This week Phil and Steve dive into the mechanics, ethics, and economic consequences of a Windfall Tax. The discussion starts with the UK’s energy levy on North Sea oil and gas producers, questioning why these taxes are often temporary "clunky" fixes rather than permanent structural policies. They explore the fu...