Podcast Summary
Economists and the Detachment from Repugnance: Economists view things through efficiency and may be able to find solutions to societal problems that are repugnant but necessary. Al Roth's market design contributions show their ability to detach from repugnance.
Repugnance is subjective and can change over time, which makes it difficult to define. Economists, however, are often immune to repugnance because they view things through the lens of efficiency and whether something makes sense. Repugnant things can be efficient, but for reasons that may be hard for people to understand or accept. Al Roth, an economist at Harvard, is a prime example of this mindset as he has made significant contributions to market design, including organ allocation, school choice, and housing markets. The ability of economists to detach from repugnance can make them essential in finding solutions to problems that society may want but struggle to accept.
How Game Theory is Being Used to Design Better Markets for Repugnant Transactions: Al Roth uses game theory to create fair and efficient transactions between people, even for controversial topics like selling kidneys. His approach could lead to more equitable exchanges and better outcomes for all involved.
Al Roth uses game theory to design better markets for systems in which people interact with each other, rather than just commodities. He creates optimal matches for students and doctors, as well as for things that people might find repugnant, such as selling kidneys. His work goes beyond just studying the markets; he designs them using complex math to help improve their efficiency. Roth's approach to designing better markets, even for repugnant transactions, could potentially lead to more equitable and fair systems of exchange. His willingness to tackle difficult and controversial subjects speaks to his dedication to creating better outcomes for everyone involved.
The Need for Innovative Solutions to Address Chronic Organ Shortage: Despite the repugnance factor associated with compensated organ donation, the current organ shortage and demand require innovative solutions like kidney exchange programs to bridge the gap between supply and demand.
The idea of being compensated for organ donation may seem repugnant, however, the current situation of organ shortage and demand makes it a massive inefficiency and failure. While the repugnance factor is acknowledged by experts like Al Roth, the supply-and-demand failure cannot be ignored. To address this problem, the New England Program for Kidney Exchange was founded, promoting unrepugnant ways of organ donation. A kidney exchange program matches donors and recipients who are incompatible with their respective spouses, allowing for a 'matched pair' of kidney donors. This highlights the need for innovative solutions to address the chronic shortage of organs and urges society to consider options to bridge the gap between organ supply and demand.
Solving the Demand for Kidney Transplants: With a waiting list of 90,000 people, the formal system of buying and selling kidneys in Iran has saved many lives. While legalizing kidney sales in the US is controversial, surgeons are exploring alternative ways to increase organ donations.
Despite the success of the New England Kidney Exchange, the growing demand for organ transplants, particularly kidneys, remains a significant problem. With over 90,000 people currently on the waiting list, finding a solution is critical. The formal system of buying and selling kidneys in Iran may not be perfect, but it has saved many lives that would otherwise have been lost due to a lack of donors. Legalizing kidney sales in the US is a controversial topic, and a recent survey demonstrated that there is less objection to it than there is to prostitution. However, it is unlikely to be a winning campaign slogan for any politician. Meanwhile, transplant surgeons continue to work on ways to increase the number of available organs through initiatives such as increased organ donations and acceptable compensations to kidney donors.
The Impact of Cultural and Religious Beliefs on Organ Donation: Organ donation rates are affected by cultural and religious beliefs, but laws like the 'Give Life, Get Life' law in Israel can increase the number of donors. However, ethical concerns must be considered, and dying in a specific way is crucial for successful organ transplantation. Careful planning is necessary.
Organ donation rates can be impacted by cultural and religious beliefs, leading to a shortage of viable organs for transplant. In Israel, a new law called 'Give Life, Get Life' gives preference to organ donors in need of an organ themselves, increasing the number of donors. But, the law raises ethical concerns as it prioritizes patients based on factors other than medical need. Additionally, to ensure the highest chance of successful organ transplantation, it is important to die in a hospital from a brain aneurysm or gunshot to the head. Organ donation is crucial to saving lives, but it also requires careful consideration and planning.
The Organ Preservation Unit: A Controversial Response to Organ Donation Demand in New York: The Organ Preservation Unit operates a restricted organ donation program in Manhattan that aims to increase donor availability. The program faces concerns, but may be a step towards addressing organ shortages.
Lewis Goldfrank, emergency medicine expert, researched organ donation practices in Europe and found that many countries practice 'presumed consent'. Goldfrank's plan to implement a similar system in New York was met with pushback, resulting in a restrictive program operating only in Manhattan from 4pm to midnight, accepting only kidneys from people aged 18-60. Despite the limitations, the Organ Preservation Unit has hit the streets. If a regular ambulance is called to an emergency that may yield an organ donor, the organ ambulance will park nearby. If the patient expressed wishes to donate, the Organ Preservation Unit will reach out. While there may be concerns about conflicts of interest, overall, this program may increase the availability of quality organs for transplantation.
The Challenges of Organ Transplantation: Repugnance, Restrictions, and Roadblocks: Organ transplantation faces significant challenges due to the repugnance factor, resulting in missed opportunities and loss of lives. A solution is urgent, and researchers are exploring alternative options, such as using pig organs, but reception remains uncertain.
Organ transplantation faces numerous restrictions and inefficiencies due to the repugnance factor of using human organs, resulting in missed opportunities and loss of lives. Despite the efforts of experts like Goldfrank, Roth, and Lavee, the gerrymandering of the project limits the number of human beings that fit the process. The need for a solution to organ transplantation is urgent, but it is uncertain whether introducing a market for organs or developing artificial organs will happen first. In the meantime, researchers are exploring the possibility of using pig organs for transplants, which may be a viable solution once the immune system's reaction to foreign organs is addressed. However, the repugnance factor remains a significant roadblock, and it remains to be seen whether people will accept the idea of having a pig's kidney transplanted into them.
