This Idea Must Die

Season 5, Episode 5

In this week’s episode of Freakonomics Radio, we first explore whether some of the scientific ideas we cling to should be killed off; and then Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt answer some listener questions.

The gist: Every year, Edge.org asks its salon of big thinkers to answer one big question. In 2014, the question bordered on heresy: what scientific idea is ready for retirement? Experts weigh in. And then Dubner and Levitt talk about fixing the post office, putting cameras in the classroom, and wearing hats.

To find out more, check out the podcasts from which this hour was drawn: “This Idea Must Die” and “Are We Ready to Legalize Drugs? And Other FREAK-quently Asked Questions.”

You can subscribe to the Freakonomics Radio podcast at iTunes or elsewhere, or get the RSS feed.