Scott Alexander and 1DaySooner outline potential positive health policy initiatives that could emerge under three key Trump administration health appointees: Jim O'Neill, Marty Makary, and Jay Bhattacharya. Longer summary

This post discusses potential health policy proposals under a hypothetical second Trump administration, focusing on three key appointees and their possible initiatives. The piece examines Jim O'Neill as Deputy Secretary of HHS, highlighting his potential work on organ donation compensation and longevity research; Marty Makary as FDA Commissioner, discussing FDA transparency and regulatory improvements; and Jay Bhattacharya as NIH Director, exploring research funding reforms and challenge trials. Written in collaboration with 1DaySooner, the post specifically focuses on optimistic scenarios that could emerge from these appointments. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander summarizes various responses to his post on 'cost disease', presenting diverse explanations for dramatic cost increases in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Longer summary

Scott Alexander summarizes and responds to various commentators' explanations for the 'cost disease' phenomenon he described in a previous post, where costs for healthcare, education, and infrastructure have risen dramatically over time without corresponding improvements in quality. The post presents diverse perspectives from economists, bloggers, and readers, exploring theories ranging from administrative bloat and regulatory burden to market failures and changes in societal expectations. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines three conflicting articles on poverty and attempts to reconcile their findings, ultimately becoming more optimistic about alleviating extreme poverty through money transfers. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses three articles on poverty that seemingly contradict each other. The first study finds lottery winnings don't improve health or education outcomes. The second study shows that increased income from casino profits improved behavioral outcomes for Cherokee Indians. The third article suggests poor people could save more if they adopted certain behaviors. Scott attempts to reconcile these findings by considering factors like geographic differences in poverty's effects, genetic predisposition, and cultural attitudes towards saving. He concludes by slightly modifying his previous opinion to be more optimistic about alleviating extreme poverty through money transfers. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines the paradox of economic growth not increasing happiness in developing countries, questioning the moral implications for global development efforts. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses the paradox that economic growth in developing countries like China doesn't seem to increase happiness, despite lifting millions out of poverty. He explores the implications of this for utilitarianism and effective altruism, questioning whether efforts to boost national development are truly beneficial if they don't increase happiness. The post examines various explanations and potential responses to this dilemma, including abandoning consequentialism, redefining happiness, or focusing on preference utilitarianism. Ultimately, Scott expresses discomfort with all these options and acknowledges the perplexing nature of happiness research. Shorter summary

A collection of interesting links from October 2014 with Scott's commentary, covering topics from Russian deforestation to North Korean politics to scientific research. Longer summary

This is a links post where Scott Alexander shares various interesting articles and news items from October 2014. He covers topics ranging from environmental issues in Russia, food safety mishaps, basic income problems, North Korean politics, and scientific research. The post includes both serious topics like sexual assault prevention research and lighter ones like football chants and textbook covers. Scott provides commentary and context for each link, sometimes with his characteristic humor. Shorter summary