Button, Button…| #392

Button, Button…| #392

From Faith and Economics by Gwartney Institute

May 11, 2026 · 33 min

About this episode

Peter and Justin explore a thought experiment involving a choice between two buttons and the implications of group decision-making.

Description: In a popular thought experiment, everyone must privately choose between pressing a red or blue button. If the majority of people press the blue button, everyone lives. If the majority of people press the red button, all those who pressed the blue button die. Join Peter and Justin as they puzzle through why people disagree so vehemently about which button to press. Choose wisely!

People in this episode

Hosts: Peter, Justin

Topics covered

  • thought experiment
  • decision making
  • ethics
  • social choice
  • group behavior

Keywords

  • button experiment
  • decision theory
  • ethics
  • social dilemma
  • group dynamics

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