Steve Horwitz
Under Sheldon Richman's excellent editorship, The Freeman's September issue celebrates the 60th anniversary of Mises's Human Action with articles by Boettke, Leeson, Kirzner, and Greaves among others. Sheldon's introduction along with links to the various articles is here. (The issue also includes an "It Just Ain't So" piece by yours truly on the claim that we are "saving too much.")
Two brief comments on the Mises appreciations.
1. Kirzner's is a recapitulation of the main theme of his FEE lecture that I posted the other day and was the subject of some critical back and forth. I suggest folks read this piece alongside his talk to get the full picture.
2. For those who think the two Petes are somehow anti-Misesian, a read of both of their contributions will clear up that fallacy. And Pete L nicely links one of the core insights of Human Action to his own research program in the endogenous evolution of rules and social cooperation. Both Petes also note how that book is the core of the courses in Austrian economics that they teach.
Thanks to Sheldon and FEE for the celebratory issue. I also happen to know that FEE filmed a whole series of short video interviews with Austrian economists reflecting on the meaning Human Action had for them. I'll let you know when those are up.
Hayek's magnum opus _The Constitution of Liberty_ will celebrate 50 years in print next year.
Let's hope folks notice.
Posted by: Greg Ransom | August 20, 2009 at 03:35 PM
Just out of curiosity, what was the most important issue of Political Economy to both Mises and Hayek?
Posted by: DG Lesvic | August 20, 2009 at 03:51 PM
You mentioned Greaves. I assume that is Mrs. Greaves, Bettina Bien-Greaves.
Hope you'll ask her to weigh in on the question of whether Mises was an amateur or professional economist, and of his treatment by the profession. She surely knows more about that than any living person.
Posted by: DG Lesvic | August 20, 2009 at 04:01 PM
Greg,
I know that Liberty Fund already has at least one conference dedicated to that anniversary.
Posted by: Steve Horwitz | August 20, 2009 at 04:05 PM
Has anyone written a brief on Kirzner for the Nobel Prize committee for Economics?
These prizes don't happen by accident.
No economist comes close to deserving the prize as much as Kirzner.
Posted by: Greg Ransom | August 20, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Leeson's article gets me excited about getting started on Mises as an economist and sociologist.
Posted by: Brian Pitt | August 21, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Yes, the article is by Bettina Bien Greaves.
Thank you, Steve!
Posted by: Sheldon Richman | August 21, 2009 at 12:16 PM
What edition of Human Action do folks think is best? The Liberty Fund edition, the LvMI edition or some other one?
Posted by: Current | August 21, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Mr Richman,
I believe you are an old timer, going back to the days of Mises, and could shed some light on the question of whether he was an amateur or professional economist, and of his treatment by the profession.
Sure would like to hear from Mrs Greaves too.
Posted by: DG Lesvic | August 21, 2009 at 05:31 PM