In this episode, philosopher Barry Lam discusses his book Fewer Rules, Better People: The Case for Discretion. We explore how excessive bureaucracy—across criminal justice, government, healthcare, education, and housing—undermines efficiency and moral judgment. Lam makes the case for greater human discretion over rigid rules and warns about AI-driven governance. We also dive into prosecutorial power, NIMBYism, and why bureaucracy keeps growing. In this episode, philosopher Barry Lam discusses his book Fewer Rules, Better People: The Case for Discretion. We explore how excessive bureaucracy—across criminal justice, government, healthcare, education, and housing—undermines efficiency and moral judgment. Lam makes the case for greater human discretion over rigid rules and warns about AI-driven governance. We also dive into prosecutorial power, NIMBYism, and why bureaucracy keeps growing.
Philosophy professor and Hi-Phi Nation host Barry Lam joins Jesse to discuss his new book Fewer Rules, Better People. They dive into the rise of bureaucracy in American life, from healthcare to housing, and examine how complex rules and compliance culture are quietly reshaping society. Topics include:
A provocative conversation about rules, responsibility, and what it means to be human in an increasingly automated world.