Progress and the Price System | Brian Albrecht | Ep. 82

Progress and the Price System | Brian Albrecht | Ep. 82

Author: HumanProgress.org July 31, 2026 Duration: 1:00:58

Our editor Marian Tupy speaks with economist Brian Albrecht about the role of prices in modern prosperity.

They discuss why price controls fail, whether scarcity can ever truly disappear, the difference between large companies and monopolies, price discrimination, and the underappreciated ways in which competitive markets enrich our lives.

Dr. Brian C. Albrecht is the chief economist at the International Center for Law & Economics and author of the Economic Forces newsletter.


Marian L. Tupy and Chelsea Follett of HumanProgress.org host The Human Progress Podcast, a series dedicated to exploring the often overlooked but measurable advancements that have shaped our world. This podcast delves into the data and stories behind improvements in human well-being, from rising life expectancy and declining poverty to technological innovation and expanding freedoms. Each episode features conversations with researchers, authors, and thinkers who examine the forces driving this progress, while also addressing common misconceptions and concerns about the future. The discussions are grounded in evidence, offering a nuanced counterpoint to prevailing narratives of decline. Listeners will find a thoughtful analysis of long-term trends across science and society, providing a deeper understanding of how far we’ve come and the challenges that remain. It’s an invitation to consider a more optimistic, fact-based view of human history and our potential. Tune in for a regular dose of informed perspective that goes beyond the headlines.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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