DISQUS

I agree with the fans of Free Will. I didn't study any philosophy at college but I've tracked down several books written by guests on the show, which I would not have done otherwise.

I'm guessing I'm not the only one. Since Leiter seems to like Will's guests, he really should be pleased by their increased exposure. And like Will says, it's not like each of them would have spontaneously appeared on Blogginheads, I imagine it takes some organising.

Well you see, they're distinguished. You dropped out. That's all that's needed.

I think this is exactly how people like Leiter think.

"And aren’t a lot of the people who think they should not eat meat whether or not other people do, and a lot of the people who think that they should reduce their carbon footprint whether or not other people do, the same people who think tax rates ought to be higher as a matter of distributive justice?"

Sigh, this is true, but isn't it a bit sad that views should clump like this?

Steve, come on dude.

"I am open to serious, empirically-minded arguments about the location of the point at which additional openness to migration leads to diminishing benefits. But, I’m afraid, one sees very little of this."

I'm not a climate change skeptic, but neither do I think that capitalism is the greatest threat to humanity, yet that's what people complain about (in South Africa).

TGGP- Your comment covers a lot of ground in a short space so is difficult to get a fix on. What do mean by complaints? People whining about immigrants? If that's what you have in mind, whining isn't normally a good indicator of what's really goinjg on. If it were, I'd be forced to conclude that global capitalism were the greatest threat facing humanity (which is of course the cause of global warming).

A suggestion about the crime rate issue. My understanding is that first generation (mexican I think) immigrants commit crime at way below what their level of income, education etc would predict. If following generations become more americanised, speaking english and stuff, so why wouldn't we expect to see them commit more crime?

looks like the onion has been reading Naomi Klein

"Now, I understand not everyone (anyone?) shares my special interest in applied Rawlsianism.

I share it! But mostly as a spectator.

I see you have really taken Will's comment to heart...

I suppose parents can prevent their children from turning 18? And the childs existence will not cause the parents to be more likely to go on net public subsidy? And juveniles never murder other citizens?

"and those immigrants are accessory to treason, a capital offense." Hmmm... I can't compete with this...

John, if the population of a region doubles but the crime rate increases by 50% would you fret about increase of crime? Do you envy the lives of hunter gatherers who experience so little violent crime? If not then immigration doesn't necessarily increase "the level of aggression on fellow citizens, including the net taxpayers"

Even if they did that doesn't clinch anything. You don't demand of American mothers that their future sons don't increase the level of aggression before "allowing" them to conceive. You don't demand it because of your views on duty to fellow citizens as opposed to foreigners. So argue for you stance on these duties rather than assuming them. The level of aggression angle isn't especially illuminating on this point.

There is a risk that very high rates of immigration would erode the institutions that allow American prosperity. Equally there is a risk that very low rates of immigration.

Weirdly, a few commenters on other sites point to Japan to show the success of low immigration policies.

This approach COULD suggest less immigration is better, but the conclusion is not guaranteed.

There are clearly millions of hopeful immigrants who would strengthen these institutions.

"For another decade or a bit more we must attempt to limit such entry,"

Why??

Steve- what exactly is your problem with Will's answer?

"... our present free-market approach to immigration"

pardon??

Bryan interupts a lot.

The format doesn't help though.

South Africa!?

Yes, South Africa is far from perfect, but is it really a good example to use, being both liberal and capitalist. The Economist recently rated the worlds democracies and South Africa did better than Italy.

Good way to test if Steve Sailer reads your blog.

"It would seem that genuinely productive, creative people would need them least."

This is similar to Tyler's take on tenure. He claims it's great for the stars, who do most of the work. But stars are the ones who would keep their jobs anyway.