'Paradox' with Expectation Dependence and Alternative Models of Demand for Risks

Bill Gates recently argued that philanthropy by households at the top of the income distribution might help ameliorate income inequality, and that tax policies should take this into account. Much of the research in economics on giving has been focused on middle-income households, so we know very little about the motives for giving by the very rich. We provide some initial evidence on what drives the giving of the richest Americans. First, we extrapolate anthropological evidence on how status concerns might influence philanthropy. Second, since the richest own a significant amount of equity, we use the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Act of 2003 to see how their giving responded to unanticipated tax cuts, particularly for dividends. Third, we consider the welfare implications of philanthropy as opposed to alternative models for redistributing the wealth of the extremely rich.

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Anti-theodicy

10.1093/oso/9780198821625.003.0005 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

N. N. Trakakis

Keyword(s):

Alternative Model ◽

Problem Of Evil ◽

Skeptical Theism ◽

Alternative Models ◽

Absolute Idealism ◽

The Problem Of Evil ◽

The Absolute ◽

Methodological Considerations

First, the nature of ‘anti-theodicy’ is outlined, and some indication is provided as to how this position differs from both theodicy and skeptical theism, and how the anti-theodicy view can be supported on the basis of moral and methodological considerations. Secondly, a possible metaphysical basis for anti-theodicy is sought, and this is achieved by abandoning anthropomorphic conceptions of God in favour of alternative models of divinity that might make possible new and more fruitful perspectives on the problem of evil. The alternative model advanced here for special attention is the Absolute Idealism of F. H. Bradley. The chapter concludes by showing how the problem of evil can be answered from a Bradleian perspective.

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The stop-start control of seismicity by fault bends along the Main Himalayan Thrust

Communications Earth & Environment ◽

10.1038/s43247-021-00153-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sharadha Sathiakumar ◽

Sylvain Barbot

Keyword(s):

Seismic Hazards ◽

Geodetic Data ◽

Source Mechanism ◽

Seismogenic Zone ◽

Seismic Cycle ◽

Rupture Propagation ◽

Alternative Models ◽

Nepal Earthquake

AbstractThe Himalayan megathrust accommodates most of the relative convergence between the Indian and Eurasian plates, producing cycles of blind and surface-breaking ruptures. Elucidating the mechanics of down-dip segmentation of the seismogenic zone is key to better determine seismic hazards in the region. However, the geometry of the Himalayan megathrust and its impact on seismicity remains controversial. Here, we develop seismic cycle simulations tuned to the seismo-geodetic data of the 2015 Mw 7.8 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake to better constrain the megathrust geometry and its role on the demarcation of partial ruptures. We show that a ramp in the middle of the seismogenic zone is required to explain the termination of the coseismic rupture and the source mechanism of up-dip aftershocks consistently. Alternative models with a wide décollement can only explain the mainshock. Fault structural complexities likely play an important role in modulating the seismic cycle, in particular, the distribution of rupture sizes. Fault bends are capable of both obstructing rupture propagation as well as behave as a source of seismicity and rupture initiation.

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