From: M
Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 8:20 PM
To: Walter Block <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Curious

Thank you Professor! I don’t deserve to bug you with my simpleton questions!

One thing I think about is that the logic of Austrian Economics- as I am (thus far) learning about how methodically Mises (and others) have laid out the basic principles [i am on Chapter 9 in B Murphy “Choice”]- its sorta makes it hard to understand why ‘everyone’ doesn’t just say- aha, that makes sense? Obviously I lack knowledge of other types of Economic thought -except perhaps in the broadest sense- so maybe my ignorance prevents me from understanding their disregard for Austrian E thought? Like, especially if they have read about it…

Also, what is Marxism and polylogism really about? I don’t quite get ‘multiple logics’. I can see how different people have different perspectives and interests and values, etc. but I don’t think that’s what they mean when they use those terms.

Also the Schmoller and positivist perspectives are rather confusing. Especially positivists.

And how can understanding logical, deductive economics help individuals ‘navigate the real world’? As in, they’re not just interesting thoughts to have, concepts to philisophicate (i know that isn’t a word 😊 ). I’m wondering about how this will affect me personally (or anyone).

Thank you in advance- I spent some time trying to clarify my questions and not ask too many.

I hope all is well with you!

M

Dear M:

None of your questions are simpleton questions. We all have to start somewhere on this great journal of Austro-libertarianism. Simpletons don’t ask important questions, such as yours!

Marxism is based upon the labor theory of value. This means that returns like profits, rents, interest payments amount to exploitation of the workers.

Polylogism: white and blacks, men and women, gays and straights, have different logics. There is no one correct logic. 2+2=4 for some people. For others, math is exploitative, racist, sexist. Go figure.

Here’s a good reading attacking positivism:

Hoppe, Hans-Hermann. 1995. Economic Science and the Austrian Method, Auburn, AL: The Mises Institute; http://mises.org/esandtam/pes1.asp

Best regards,

Walter

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