Theory and History: An Interpretation of Social and Economic Evolution - Hardcover

Ludwig Von Mises

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1933550198 ISBN 13: 9781933550190

Publisher: Ludwig von Mises Institute, 2007

Synopsis

New hardcover edition, introduction by Murray N. Rothbard

Like Hayek, Mises moved beyond economics in his later years to address questions regarding the foundation of all social science. But unlike Hayek's attempts, Mises's writings on these matters have received less attention than they deserve. Theory and History, writes Rothbard in his introduction, "remains by far the most neglected masterwork of Mises.

Here Mises defends his all-important idea of metholodogical duelism: one approach to the hard sciences and another for the social sciences. He defends the epistemological status of economic proposition. He has his most extended analysis of those who want to claim that there is more than one logical structure by which we think about reality. He grabbles with the problem of determinism and free will. And presents philosophy of history and historical research. Overall, this is a tremendously lucid defense of the fundamental Misesian approach to social philosophy.

"It is Mises's great methodological work, explaining the basis of his approach to economics, and providing scintillating critiques of such fallacious alternatives as historicism, scientism, and Marxian dialectical materialism . . . . Austrian economics will never enjoy a genuine renaissance until economists read and absorb the vital lessons of this unfortunately neglected work."

Theory and History should be required for any student of 20th century ideas.

About this title

About the Author:

Ludwig von Mises (1881-1973) was a preeminent philosopher and economist during the twentieth century. He shared an intellectual friendship with literary giant Ayn Rand, and his theorems and philosophies have continued to influence the careers and ideas of politicians and economists alike.

About this edition

• Publisher: Ludwig von Mises Institute
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1933550198
• ISBN 13: 9781933550190
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 383