Matt Ridley, Part 2: Lab Leak, Longevity, and the Limits of ScienceHas humanity made as much moral progress as it has material progress, and can free trade and innovation still solve problems that politics cannot?
British biologist and author Matt Ridley closes out his three-part conversation with host Dennis McCuistion, recorded at Adam Smith Week at the College of Charleston.
Ridley weighs philosopher John Gray’s critique that moral progress has lagged behind material gains, then traces Adam Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments and the idea of trade from mercantilism through David Ricardo’s theory of comparative advantage to modern tariff debates.
He also addresses climate change, arguing that its risks have been exaggerated relative to the benefits of continued innovation, and points to entrepreneurs like ocean-cleanup founder Boyan Slat as evidence that technology, not retreat, solves global problems.
Drawing on his years in the UK House of Lords, Ridley shares his perspective on where government helps and where it gets in the way of human progress.
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