Philosophy and Methodology

Historical data is not enough for economists to make sense of it. Instead, that data must be viewed through a theoretical framework that explains what has happened.

Menger said alternative monetary theories were “unhistorical,” but one could argue that Menger’s theory also lacks historical evidence necessary to verify his theory. Did Menger display a double standard or a nuanced view as to what we should expect from different monetary theories?

Economists consider probability to be central to economic analysis, but, as Ludwig von Mises wrote, economic action involves unique and purposeful events, not random ones.

A. Mitchell Innes—a chartalist pioneer—wrote a pamphlet “What Is Money?” (1913) which found a credulous and ideologically sympathetic audience in J. M. Keynes.

Most economists subscribe to a belief in “positive economics,” which means that economic theory flows from economic data. Thus, all theory can be tested for falsification at any time. Austrian economics, however, begins with economic theory, which is used to interpret the real world.

The Austrian School of economics isn’t a 20th century or even 19th century creation. Instead, Austrian economics is rooted in the logical thought, as developed by Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas.

The Austrian School of economics isn’t a 20th century or even 19th century creation. Instead, Austrian economics is rooted in the logical thought, as developed by Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas.

Elon Musk recently claimed that artificial intelligence will make money itself obsolete. He needs to read the literature of Austrian economics.

Elon Musk recently claimed that artificial intelligence will make money itself obsolete. He needs to read the literature of Austrian economics.

Mainstream economics is obsessed with “maximizing” so-called utility functions and discovering the ubiquitous “social utility curve.” In this week’s Friday Philosophy, Dr. David Gordon takes apart this “utility” fixation.