On my latest Q&A, I have two-for-one: two scholars, a married couple, Simone Sepe and Saura Masconale. As their names might tell you, they are Italian. He is from Rome, she from Verona. (So, a mixed marriage.) For our podcast, go here.
They teach at the University of Arizona. Professor Sepe is in the law school; Professor Masconale is in the Department of Political Economy and Moral Science. Both are associated with the university’s Center for the Philosophy of Freedom (of which I was a recent guest). They are experts in “law and economics,” as that field is known.
I have many questions for them — beginning with basic terms: “law and economics”; “moral science”; “political economy.” I dislike the term “capitalism.” I think it is an ugly word for a beautiful, beneficent thing. What do they think?
Why do socialists and collectivists enjoy popularity and influence, given the dismal record of their approach? Are people naturally inclined to big and paternalistic government? Is liberalism (of the classical variety) unnatural?
We also talk about American education. (I ask for honest observations, which are provided.) We even talk about food and language and other such matters.
I confide to them that I sometimes worry about authoritarianism — its appeal to the public. Recent years have not been encouraging. Saura Masconale says, in essence, “Well, you know, we had a Renaissance. And there is always the chance of rebirth.”
Again, for our Q&A, go here. And here are Simone and Saura in Sicily:
