The Greater Good

Philosophy, psychology, and policy.

Behavioral Economics
Hey Commissioner... Hand Me That Predictive Tool (Part 2)

J.D. Trout Ph.D. on June 1, 2009

When I tutored Federal Penitentiary inmates decades ago, I made a big mistake. Part Two of "Hey Commissioner... Hand me that Predictive Tool" is about how mistakes like this happen, and what they mean.

When I tutored Federal Penitentiary inmates decades ago, I made a big mistake. Part Two of "Hey Commissioner... Hand me that Predictive Tool" is about how mistakes like this happen, and what they mean.

Behavioral Economics
From Rags to Aristocracy

J.D. Trout Ph.D. on March 31, 2009

A single lifetime of hard work and personal sacrifice can create a legacy of inherited wealth lasting many generations. But this singular focus on the hero's rugged American individualism hides an important consequence of the story.

A single lifetime of hard work and personal sacrifice can create a legacy of inherited wealth lasting many generations. But this singular focus on the hero's rugged American individualism hides an important consequence of the story.

Behavioral Economics
Do Economists Wear Seatbelts?

J.D. Trout Ph.D. on March 2, 2009

I once shared a cab to LaGuardia with a freshly minted Economics Ph.D. On the scent of fame, he identified himself as part of a new breed of “rock-and-roll economist,” prepared to draw an audience with findings that jar and awe.

I once shared a cab to LaGuardia with a freshly minted Economics Ph.D. On the scent of fame, he identified himself as part of a new breed of “rock-and-roll economist,” prepared to draw an audience with findings that jar and awe.

Diet
Viral Ideas About Food Filth

J.D. Trout Ph.D. on February 26, 2009

Since my last post, "Peanut Butter and Paternalism", peanuts and the FDA have been much in the news. A New York Times Op-Ed yesterday revisits those very issues.

Since my last post, "Peanut Butter and Paternalism", peanuts and the FDA have been much in the news. A New York Times Op-Ed yesterday revisits those very issues.

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November 2025 magazine cover
November 2025
Healing Family Splits

Cut-offs cut deep and wide, their emotional impact reverberating far beyond the combatants. Because much of the suffering is hidden, repair is challenging for everyone, not least of all therapists.

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Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

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