Today’s Big Idea: Learning from the Past

Particularly in economics, there are plenty of old ideas that need to be put to bed. And yet, these ideas keep showing up, in the punditocracy, or in the blogosphere. They’re everywhere you look. 

In today’s lesson, Big Think Chief Economist Daniel Altman points out that “it’s getting harder and harder to cut through what’s just talk and what’s actually supported by empirical evidence.” 

Fortunately, Altman also points us to a remedy: rigorous review. This idea itself, is not new. In fact, it’s a method of evaluation that goes back to ancient Greece. It needs to be reclaimed.

Furthermore, Altman points out, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business has created a forum where experts vet ideas. So if you’re looking to see through the smoke and mirrors, there is a place to go.