It is! Sadly the greater context is not one I can appreciate, coming from a biblical worldview. He gets so many things right, and has so many worthy sensibilities, but his foundation is "sinking sand." I haven't read his "epistemological problems" yet, but I've always wanted to apply some Van Til to Mises and see what happens.
Discussion
Based on my understanding, Mises' ideas in economics are basically Kantian epistemology given concrete grounding in the real world.
I don't yet grok Kant properly so my explanation would be flawed. Hoppe is the guy to go to for it.
Particularly Hoppe's 'Economic science and the Austrian method'.
That's been my take on Mises, too. I read quite a bit of Van Til (who was somewhat critical of Kant) before I read much of Mises, so that epistmological frame always stuck out to me as a problem.
BTW, nostr:npub1xnc64f432zx7pw4n7zrvf02mh4a4p7zej3gude52e92leqmw8ntqd43qnl, quick anecdote--do I remember correctly that you're a Roman catholic? Ironically enough, the guy who got me interested in Van Til (who is critical of Rome) back in about 2004 is an ardent, devout RC (and was my 'Best Man' at my wedding). We have a good laugh whenever I 'thank him' for that.
Ah I did mention my religious foundations before which would have surprised you. I'll surprise you again: It's the Tamil Shaivite branch of Hinduism.
When it comes to economics, law and politics, the ideas of Hoppe, Mises and Rothbard have presented the farthest advancement. It is quite value-free and applicable irrespective of religion and culture.
Beyond that, I think the limits of their ideas become clear. And I think they are honest about that as well.
My apologies - I must be confusing you with someone else.
Yes, it's almost funny how close Rothbard comes at points. Almost like Jordan Peterson -- I don't accept it fully, but we should all live "as if" it's true. (Kinda sad, actually...why not just dive in to grace! What's so unappealing about the forgiveness of sins, anyway!?)
hey nostr:nprofile1qqsrfud256c4pr0qh2elppkyh4dm676slpveg5wxu69vj40usdhre4spz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduhsz9mhwden5te0wfjkccte9ec8y6tdv9kzumn9wshsz9mhwden5te0wfjkccte9ehx7uewwdhkx6tpdshsv6utgk, is your #zapper down? getting an error trying to zap you
Hey!
I think it's because I use Zeus' LN address for receiving. It uses Zaplocker addresses which means I have to manually redeem sats by opening my wallet.
I've recieved the zaps now. Thanks so much for them!
And thanks also for the wonderful discussion! Looking forward to many more of them! 🍻
What would reading Mises be like for you if you didn't "come from a biblical worldview"?
I'm not sure...I would have no North Star, no 'measuring stick' against which to test things--knowing that I myself am infinite and fallible. I don't mean to be trite or spin platitudes, but it's something quite like what C. S. Lewis said: "I don't believe in the sun because I can see it, but because by it I can see everything else." I really don't know the answer to that question otherwise, but I appreciate you asking it.
I understand what you mean. the followup question is the important one: what's better, having an incorrect measuring stick that gets everything slightly wrong (like the Dollar..?) or having no measuring stick (and maybe finding a better one, now that you're looking) and simply observing what is?