Tag Archives: self-interest

The science and politics of the ‘politics of envy’

Posted on 21st Jul, 2011 by Puddleglum

The release of Labour’s tax policies – which include a new top tax rate (39cents for income over $150,000), a Capital Gains Tax (at 15%), no GST on fresh fruit and vegetables and a tax free $5,000 threshold – have … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Human Nature, Human Wellbeing, Labour, New Zealand Politics, Philosophy, politics of envy | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Who’s afraid of (the charge of) ‘elitism’?

Posted on 14th Apr, 2011 by Puddleglum

Is it elitist to advocate government funding of TVNZ 7 and, by extension, Concert FM, National Radio, the NZSO and the Royal New Zealand Ballet? I don’t think so. Michelle Boag, in her appearance on Jim Mora’s ‘The Panel’ on … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Nature, National Identity, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Who’s afraid of (the charge of) ‘elitism’?

Earthquake Reflections and Connections

Posted on 7th Apr, 2011 by Puddleglum

We care most about things that happen to us and affect our interests directly. Try as we might, it’s harder to care about things that happen to others, at a distance, and which have little impact on our interests (which, … Continue reading →

Posted in Freedom, Human Nature, Human Wellbeing, New Zealand Politics, Philosophy | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Earthquake Reflections and Connections