Philosophy and Methodology

The status and reputation of Sir Francis Bacon (1561–1626) is one of the great puzzles in the history of social thought.

Recorded at the Mises Circle in Colorado Springs, Colorado; 18 September 2010. Sponsored by Pikes Peak Economics Club.

In their eagerness to eliminate from history any reference to individuals and individual events, collectivist authors resorted to a chimerical cons

Rothbard explains that it is not enough to read an author's work. You have to understand his intentions, which means that you have to understand who he's talking to, who his friends are, who his enemies are, and who he's reacting against.

Nature does not generate peace and good will. The characteristic mark of the “state of nature” is irreconcilable conflict.

"The Randist analysis of the nature of crime implies the necessity for a minimal government."

Public opinion looks askance at wealth acquired in trade and industry, and finds it pardonable only if the owner atones for it by endowing charitable institutions.

"Just as everyone is born ignorant of math, so everyone is born a folk economist."

For hundreds of years, politicians (like a certain current US president) have pushed the idea that one man’s profit is another man’s lo

"Sandel stands among the foremost communitarians and, as his previous work makes evident, he views the free market with disdain."