People I (Mostly) Admire 20. John Donohue: “I'm Frequently Called a Treasonous Enemy of the Constitution.”
Mar 20, 2021
John Donohue, a Stanford law professor and economist, dives into heated debates on pivotal topics like guns, the death penalty, and their notorious research on abortion's link to crime rates. He discusses the complexities of concealed carry laws and their often misunderstood effects on crime. The conversation also tackles the challenges of proving truths in social sciences, the perplexities of gun control, and the financial burdens of capital punishment. Donohue reflects on identity and public perception, shedding light on the fierce backlash from academia surrounding his controversial theories.
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Donohue's Stance on Guns
- Donohue receives criticism and is labeled anti-gun for his research.
- He has experience with guns, but isn't a fan, noting most gun problems aren't from hunters or target shooters.
Truth in Social Sciences
- Social sciences lack a clear mechanism for establishing truth like in physical sciences.
- This makes it difficult to resolve debates definitively, particularly in areas where experiments are hard.
Gun Control and Public Policy
- Academic literature suggests right-to-carry laws increase violent crime.
- However, the Supreme Court, influenced by NRA-approved nominees, is moving towards deregulation.