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Theory and history;: An interpretation of social and economic evolution (Hardcover)

~ Ludwig Von Mises (Author), (Author)

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Product Description

Ludwig von Mises was the leading exponent of the Austrian School of economics throughout most of the twentieth century. He has long been regarded as a most knowledgeable and respected economist, even though his teachings were generally outside the 'mainstream'. "Theory and History" is primarily a critique of Karl Marx, his materialism, and his prediction of the inevitability of socialism. Marx attributes the creation of tools and machines, as well as the economic structure of society, to undefined 'material productive forces'; Mises rejects this materialistic view; he points out that tools and machines are actually created by individuals acting on the basis of non-materialistic ideas.This book discusses the theory of economics, i.e., the study of purposive human action, and with history, the record of the past actions of individuals. All actions are determined by ideas. Thoughts and ideas are 'real things', Mises writes. "Although intangible and immaterial, they are factors in bringing about changes in the realm, of tangible and material things." Rather than rejecting the study of historical change as a 'useless pastime', Mises considers it of the utmost practical importance." History looks backward into the past, but the lesson it teaches concerns things to come." History opens the mind to an understanding of human nature, increases wisdom, and distinguishes civilized man from the barbarian. Moreover, historical knowledge is of the utmost importance in helping to anticipate and plan for the future.Though "Theory and History" may not be studied as often as other, more popular Mises works, it provides great insight into Mises' fundamental thoughts and is a fascinating exploration of human action. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Ludwig von Mises (1881-1973) earned his doctorate in law and economics from the University of Vienna in 1906. In 1926, Mises founded the Austrian Institute for Business Cycle Research. From 1909 to 1934, he was an economist for the Vienna Chamber of Commerce. Before the Anschluss, in 1934 Mises left for Geneva, where he was a professor at the Graduate Institute of International Studies until 1940, when he emigrated to New York City. From 1948 to 1969, he was a visiting professor at New York University. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Arlington House (March 1, 1985)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0870000705
ISBN-13: 978-0870000706
Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,762,000 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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	8% buy The Theory of Money and Credit 4.5 out of 5 stars (13) $11.99
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5.0 out of 5 stars Theory Explains History, April 3, 2008

By	D. W. MacKenzie (New London CT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Theory and History: An Interpretation of Social and Economic Evolution (Paperback)

Theory and History aims at explaining social and economic evolution. Evolution is by its very nature unpredictable. Hegel and Marx believed in their own omniscience. Marx stood outside of history and (allegedly) saw how the historical process would unfold. Of course, Marx did not describe the actual workings of the future workers paradise. But Marx "knew" where we are headed. As such, Mises is criticizing the determinism of Historicism, and Marxism in particular. True evolution is unpredictable, particularly if it is the result of action based on free will. Indeed, the existence of free will is incompatible with any theory of history that proceeds in stages.

Theory and History is a first rate critique of Historicist type socialism. This book does differ in tone from some of Mises' earlier works. By 1957 professional economists had moved away from Marxism and towards `Market Socialism'. The Market Socialists (Lange, Lerner, Dickinson, Taylor, Durbin) were not historicists, so they do not belong in this book. Mises was obviously still troubled by Marxism in the 1950's. The general public was still open to the influence of Marxist ideas. Hence Mises wrote a book critiquing Marxist/Historicist ideas that is short and relatively easy (as compared to his other books).

Theory and History is an excellent work, well reasoned and clearer than many of his other writings. You can learn much from this book, even if you have read his other works. Marxian state socialism is now dead, but the "ideology of equal wealth and income" that Mises attacks in this book is alive and well. Theory and History therefore is more than relevant in the twenty-first century. It is vitally important in the defense of free and prosperous societies.

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34 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Methodology Of Individualism, October 9, 2003

By	Steve Jackson "stevejackson100atyahoocom" (New England) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Ludwig von Mises wrote four masterpieces: THE THEORY OF MONDEY AND CREDIT, SOCIALISM, HUMAN ACTION, and THEORY AND HISTORY. THEORY AND HISTORY was published in 1957 and is the easiest of the four books, and a good starting point to understand the philosophical underpinnings of Mises' thought.

THEORY AND HISTORY is an outstanding work on the methodology of the social sciences. As usual, Mises uses economics and sociology to criticize all varieties of leftism. The starting point for von Mises is the acting individual. Man acts rationally to achieve certain ends. What appears to be collective action is simply the action of numerous individuals. Based on this, Mises shows that collectivist theories fail to take into account the essentially individualist nature of human action. Marx claimed to be a scientist of the inevitable forces of human action, yet he inconsistently involved himself in day-to-day politics. Engles went so far as to say that had Napoleon died when he was young, history would have produced another Napoleon. Mises then discusses theories of history such as those advanced by Buckle, Spengler, and Toynbee.

One of the most exciting things about reading von Mises is how socialist fallacies fall page after page. Not only does he refute their fallacies, but he has a way of seeing right through them. For example, how can one criticize modern capitalist society for being "materialistic'" when it allows the common man to attend Beethoven concerts?

Von Mises dealt with methodology in THE ULTIMATE FOUNDATION OF ECONOMIC SCIENCE, EPISTEMOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OF ECONOMICS, and HUMAN ACTION.

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