Economics Questions

Re: Best Approach for Reading Human Action?

thetabularasa — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 22:02:37 GMT

What's the difference between regular Human Action and the scholar's edition?

Re: Best Approach for Reading Human Action?

Gero — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 06:38:11 GMT

Read Study Guide of Man, Economy, and State and Study Guide to Human Action: A Treatise on Economics.

Re: Best Approach for Reading Human Action?

fegeldolfy — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 05:11:39 GMT

I haven't read it yet, but maybe when you get to a section you don't understand pick up a book or watch a speech or something on that subject.

For example, if you don't fully understand austrian business cycle theory when you get to that section, put down Human Action and pick up something like The Austrian Theory of the Trade Cycle.

You could also watch the 11 video introduction to austrian economics featuring Hulsmann and Hoppe found on Nielsio's Youtube channel. I've only watched clips,but it looks good.

Re: Best Approach for Reading Human Action?

Bert — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 04:56:37 GMT

I didn't hit a speed bump til I got to prices, and that felt like forever, but I happened to have read excerpts from the early and later chapters online. I think it may come down to reading something that grabs you, like worldview elements in regards to Austrian econ, and something that can potentially bore you, like actual in depth theory regarding prices and business cycle theory. Some of it may seem enlightening, and some of it may seem dry, but it is a magnus opus on econ theory. Just don't rush through it.

Re: Best Approach for Reading Human Action?

vive la insurrection — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 04:50:37 GMT

The best way to read it is to probably treat it like you would any school text. There is a study guide you can buy, that would help too.

You probably will want to read each chapter 2-3 times - on the 1st time through, just force yourself to read through the chapter and don't worry too much about what you are comprehending, just keep reading.

also:

study groups and online lectures are great, but it's still probably best to enter them with having read the required chapters once or twice beforehand

Re: Best Approach for Reading Human Action?

Wheylous — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 04:47:14 GMT

SM, what are you talking about? We obviously like you...

I'm not kidding, either. You're just a really good sport to mess with.

Re: Best Approach for Reading Human Action?

SkepticalMetal — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 02:31:52 GMT

I have lots of left-over Christmas money, and I plan on buying Human Action (or perhaps Man, Economy and State, I heard that it was made specifically as a prelude to Human Action or something).

Anyway, I would like to read with you all as well, hopefully I'm still liked enough around here to where that can happen.

Re: Best Approach for Reading Human Action?

abskebabs — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 01:28:45 GMT

For Human Action, I recommend having a notebook handy to jot down things you think about or want to note. I went through about 5, though I didn't finish the book quickly. Overall I think the learning experience was more fruitful that way though.

Re: Best Approach for Reading Human Action?

Wheylous — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 01:01:35 GMT

Thanks for the link, TOG.

I, too, would recommend reading MES with us :) We're also using Murphy's study guide.

Re: Best Approach for Reading Human Action?

ThatOldGuy — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 00:37:58 GMT

The best method is to read from left to right from the first page through the last page.

In all seriousness, we've set up a reading group for MES over at Liberty HQ, Wheylous' site. We plan on reading about a chapter each week with question and discussion of important concepts. Here's the link for the first chapter thread.

Best Approach for Reading Human Action?

thetabularasa — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 00:31:10 GMT

I'm really enjoying Austrian literature, but I started undertaking Human Action and Man, State, and Economy, and these texts are massive!

For those who've read either of them, do you reference them vs. read them word-for-word? What's the best way to tackle these texts?