OC LW/ACX Saturday (3/11/23) Progress and Poverty book review

https://docs.google.com/document/d/16dtrbBcSTmZmjwvgrkLA7AObi3f6Vs8LJtVLkaIydMY/edit?usp=sharing

Hi Folks!

I am glad to announce the 21st of a continuing Orange County ACX/LW meetup series. Meeting this Saturday and most Saturdays. 

Contact me, Michael, at michaelmichalchik@gmail.com with questions or requests.
Meetup at my house this week, 1970 Port Laurent Place, Newport Beach, 92660

 

Saturday,3/4/23, 2 pm

Activities (all activities are optional)

The conversation starter topics this week will be. (see questions on page 2)

1. Your Book Review: Progress And Poverty Finalist #3 of the book review contest 

Your Book Review: Progress And Poverty - by Scott Alexander

https://astralcodexten.substack.com/p/your-book-review-progress-and-poverty

B) We will also have the card game Predictably Irrational. Feel free to bring your favorite games or distractions. 

C) We usually walk and talk for about an hour after the meeting starts. There are two easy-access mini-malls nearby with hot takeout food available. Search for Gelson's or Pavilions in the zipcode 92660. 

 

D) Share a surprise! Tell the group about something that happened that was unexpected or changed how you look at the universe.

E) Make a prediction and give a probability and end condition.

F) Contribute ideas to the group's future direction: topics, types of meetings, activities, etc.
 

This week's conversation starter is quite long. So we will only look at one topic this week. 

These readings are optional, but if you do them, think about what you find interesting, surprising, useful, questionable, vexing, or exciting.  

1) Your Book Review: Progress And Poverty

Finalist #3 of the book review contest 

Your Book Review: Progress And Poverty - by Scott Alexander

Audio:
https://podtail.com/podcast/slate-star-codex-podcast/your-book-review-progress-and-poverty/

Questions:

1. What motivated Henry George to write "Poverty and Progress," and what were some of the key arguments he made in the book?
2. One of the central concepts in "Poverty and Progress" is the idea of economic rent. Can you explain what economic rent is, and how it relates to George's critique of the existing economic system?
3. George argues that land is a unique factor of production and that the ownership and control of land is a key driver of inequality and poverty. Do you agree with his argument, and why or why not?
4. In the book, George proposes a solution to poverty and inequality through the implementation of a "single tax" on land. Can you explain how this tax would work, and what the potential benefits and drawbacks of this approach might be?
5. George also discusses the role of technology and innovation in driving progress and improving living standards. How does he envision the relationship between technological progress and economic growth, and what are the potential implications of this relationship?
6. In addition to his economic analysis, George also offers a social and moral critique of society in "Poverty and Progress." What are some of the key social and moral issues he raises, and how do they relate to his economic arguments?
7. Some critics of George's work argue that his proposals for social and economic reform are unrealistic and overly simplistic. Do you agree with this critique, and if so, what alternative approaches might be more effective?
8. Finally, what relevance does "Poverty and Progress" have for contemporary discussions about poverty, inequality, and economic policy? Are there any lessons we can draw from George's work that might be useful in addressing these issues today?