Over the last several years, as Jordan Peterson rose to international fame, many thoughtful individuals in the Mises Institute orbit have voiced an appreciation for how Peterson’s work may complement the Austrian tradition. Some have written on the topic, including Jonathan Newman who noted in 2018:
Jordan Peterson is not famous for his action framework, but it is central to his Maps of Meaning book and university course. He uses it on his way to demonstrating the basis for belief systems and the superiority of a morality based on the inherent value of the individual.
The differences between his action framework and that of Mises and Rothbard may be attributed to the difference between psychology and economics. But the similarities are striking, even though, to my knowledge, Peterson has not read Mises or Rothbard.
Earlier this year, Jordan Peterson began tweeting about an interest in Austrian economics, asking for suggestions for potential guests.
What economist of the Austrian school should I interview for my YouTube channel and podcast?
— Dr Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) March 27, 2021
Thankfully one name, in particular, got the attention of Dr. Peterson, Bob Murphy. Not only has Dr. Murphy long demonstrated himself to be one of the best educators of the Austrian tradition, but he has long been familiar with Peterson’s own work. His excellent book Choice Cooperation Enterprise and Human Action also offers a great introduction to Misesian thought for a new audience.
In his most recent podcast, Jordan Peterson published his interview with Dr. Murphy, offering his audience a deep dive into the Misesian tradition.
As Dr. Peterson begins his show, “I wanted to talk to you because I wanted a two-hour lecture in Austrian economics.”
Video can be found on YouTube. The podcast format is not currently published on his official website, can be found on most podcast platforms, such as Spotify.
