Dr. James Otteson
From How The World Works by Kevin D. Williamson
November 26, 2025 · 1h 8m · Episode 28
About this episode
Kevin D. Williamson discusses work, moral philosophy, and capitalism with Professor James Otteson.
Kevin D. Williamson is joined by Professor James Otteson of Notre Dame. They discuss the meaning of work, Adam Smith’s moral philosophy, and how Smith’s ideas connect to modern understandings of economics, ethics, and human motivation. They also discuss Otteson’s career path, the moral and philosophical underpinnings of capitalism, risk aversion, inequality, and how individuals can find purpose and meaning in their work.
People in this episode
Host: Kevin D. Williamson
Guest: James Otteson
Topics covered
- meaning of work
- moral philosophy
- economics
- ethics
- human motivation
- capitalism
- purpose in work
Keywords
- work
- Adam Smith
- moral philosophy
- capitalism
- inequality
- purpose
- human motivation
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Notre Dame
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