Who was the greater economist: Charles Darwin or Adam Smith?

Economist and New York Times columnist Robert H. Frank will discuss his new book The Darwin Economy: Liberty, Competition and the Common Good, at NESTA on Wednesday 9^th November.

The Darwin Economy contends that Charles Darwin’s understanding of competition describes economic reality far more accurately than Adam Smith. For Smith, market failures were almost always rooted in attempts to suppress competition. In contrast, Darwin’s framework suggests that market failures are rooted in the logic of competition itself.

Please join us as we discuss how Darwin's theory mirrors how individuals and groups interact much more closely than Smith's. Individual and group interests often diverge sharply and can sometimes create “arms races” which not only cause enormous harm to the group but also provide no lasting advantages for individuals since any gains tend to be mutually offsetting.

Robert H. Frank will give a keynote presentation followed by a chaired discussion with Stian Westlake (Executive Director of Policy & Research, NESTA).

Please note: Registration will open at 17:00 with presentations starting at 17:30 prompt.  The event will close at 19:00 with a networking wine reception.