In defense of brain drain

(This lecture will be in English)

In this lecture Professor Fernando Teson examines the question of whether “brain drain” – a popular term applied to the emigration of skilled persons from poor countries to rich countries – is harmful and unjust to poor countries.

Governments of developing countries argue that because “human capital” is an important determinant of economic growth, the loss of skilled individuals undermines the economic performance of the country. Taking this empirical claim as obviously true, many deplore the brain drain as somehow unfair, and suggest that something ought to be done to stem it.

Professor Teson argues that this conventional view is problematic on both empirical and philosophical grounds. He notes that the empirical assumption that brain drain invariably hurts developing countries is controversial, noting the existence of a contrarian literature suggesting that the brain drain may help those left behind.

Teson further argues that the philosophical claim that brain drain is unfair and unjust is based on an assumption that societies in some sense own individuals’ natural talents, and that this claim ought to be rejected.

Questions: Lynn Roseberry: lr.jur@cbs.dk

Registration is free and open to anyone.

Please register no later than 6 April 2010 by sending an e-mail to Kim A. Jørgensen: kaj.jur@cbs.dk

This information was found on the website of CBS. Link: http://www.cbs.dk/nyheder_presse/arrangementer/2010/april/2010_04_08_14_00_00_in_defense_of_brain_drain