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Carl Menger, F.A. Hayek and the evolutionary strand in Austrian economics

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  • Viktor J. Vanberg

    (Walter Eucken Institut)

Abstract

Taking the Misesian and the Hayekian versions of the “Austrian paradigm” as the principal rivals in today’s Austrian economics, the paper argues in support of three claims. The claim that the “causal-genetic method”, advocated by the school’s founder, Carl Menger, suggests itself as nucleus of an evolutionary research program. The claim that among Menger’s heirs F.A. Hayek is the one who most systematically advanced the “evolutionary elements” in the founder’s work, making them a central part of his own research efforts. And the claim that, if Austrian economics aspires to be recognized as an empirical social science, it is the Mengerian-Hayekian evolutionary paradigm, not Misesian praxeology, that qualifies for this purpose.

Suggested Citation

  • Viktor J. Vanberg, 2022. "Carl Menger, F.A. Hayek and the evolutionary strand in Austrian economics," The Review of Austrian Economics, Springer;Society for the Development of Austrian Economics, vol. 35(4), pages 481-515, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:revaec:v:35:y:2022:i:4:d:10.1007_s11138-020-00531-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s11138-020-00531-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    7. Hayek, F. A., 2010. "Studies on the Abuse and Decline of Reason," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, number 9780226321127 edited by Caldwell, Bruce, Febrero.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Menger; Hayek; von Mises; Evolutionary economics; Praxeology;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology
    • B - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology

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