Nobel Economist Al Roth Explores the Ethics of Controversial Markets
In a new interview, Nobel laureate Al Roth discusses his book that questions why society bans certain transactions while allowing others.
The book asks why society readily permits the purchase of drugs yet fiercely resists hiring a hit man, and why Iran uniquely allows kidney sales. Roth describes "repugnance" as a technical term for the visceral objections that shape market rules.
He explores whether it is feasible to construct regulated exchanges for activities like selling organs, buying sex, or assisting suicide while safeguarding those who oppose them. The dialogue also touches on Roth’s earlier work designing kidney-donor matching algorithms and his unconventional personal background. Overall, the interview highlights Roth’s blend of rigorous economic theory with a willingness to challenge moral taboos.
Why it matters
The interview sheds light on how economic theory can inform debates over controversial regulations that affect personal freedom and public policy.
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