Podcast Summary
Axioms of Human Action: Austrian School economists propose self-evident axioms for understanding human action leading to absolute principles, but critics argue these axioms lack empirical basis and could be proven wrong
According to the perspective of Austrian School economists like Ludwig von Mises and Murray Rothbard, reality is the complex web of causal relationships between events that cannot be altered by human wishes. They argue that the fundamental truths of human action can be deduced from a few self-evident axioms, leading to absolute and universally true principles. However, critics argue that these axioms cannot be empirically verified and that assuming anything to be absolutely true could lead to being proven wrong, as history has shown with examples like Galileo Galilei and the Roman Catholic Inquisition. The debate continues on whether these axioms have any empirical content and whether they can be absolutely true or not.
Uncertainty in Praxeology: Though human perception and existence may be uncertain, we can still rely on consistent patterns of human behavior to derive valid conclusions in economics and praxeology
While physics relies on empirically testable hypotheses with tentative validity, economics or praxeology has absolute knowledge of its basic axioms based on the existence of human action. Praxeologists acknowledge their limitations and the fallibility of human reason. However, critics argue that if praxeologists can make errors, their axioms and derived conclusions could be mistaken. The critic's argument is that we cannot be absolutely certain that men exist or act, and that we might be living in a dream. Praxeology's response is that while we cannot be 100% certain, we can still rely on the consistent patterns of human behavior to derive valid conclusions. The Zhuangzhou story illustrates the uncertainty of perception and existence, but it does not negate the validity of praxeology's axioms. Ultimately, while we may not have all the answers, we can still use reason to seek truth and understanding in the realm of human action.
Uncertainty and human behavior: The uncertainty of reality and human behavior challenges our ability to derive absolute truths or principles, but reason and rationality are essential for navigating life's complexities.
The nature of reality and human behavior can be uncertain and subjective, making it challenging to derive absolute truths or principles. This uncertainty is highlighted in discussions surrounding gender identity and the limitations of doctors' abilities to determine sex at birth. Additionally, human irrationality and emotions can influence our perceptions and decisions, further complicating the matter. However, despite these challenges, Austrian economist Murray Rothbard argues that reason and rationality are essential for human existence and the best tool we have for navigating life's complexities. While we may not always follow reason's dictates, acknowledging its importance is crucial for making informed choices and progressing as a society.
Reasoning and learning: Human existence relies on our ability to reason and learn from experiences to identify goals and means to achieve them, despite errors and the need to confront reality
While humans are born without innate knowledge of how to survive and prosper, it is only through the use of our reasoning minds that we can identify our goals and the means to achieve them. This process of learning and making choices is not error-free, but it is necessary for our existence. Reality cannot be evaded, and denying established truths has no epistemological validity. As Zhuang Zhao came to accept the evidence of his own eyes and acknowledge his humanity, we too must confront reality and use our reason to navigate the world around us. Ultimately, the ability to reason and learn from our experiences is what sets us apart as human beings.