In my article “Praxeology – The Science of Human Action” I presented the foundations of this vitally important science of economic theory. I also covered the axiomatic concepts of Objectivism. Although there are some differences in the epistemology (the theory and origins of knowledge) of Praxeology and Objectivism, they are closely inter-related. They both realize that all reasoning in the sphere of human action begins with the individual.
Ludwig von Mises and Ayn Rand are usually considered the “Dad and Mom” of Libertarian philosophy. Ludwig von Mises’ magnum opus “Human Action” is the Bible of praxeological reasoning. Ayn Rand’s great philosophical masterpiece “Atlas Shrugged” is the Objectivist Bible. Although, I’m not sure if she would react favorably upon hearing that I connected the term “Bible” to her integrated system of logic and reason.
Value Free
Mises believed that scientists should approach their subject free of value judgments. His idea was that once someone pollutes a scientific investigation with his subjective values he no longer acts as a pure scientist. I believe this has merit. However, Mises own student Murray Rothbard criticizes this approach. He believes the praxeologist should defend the social system of Libertarianism using both praxeological insights and Natural Law.
The great Mises circled around this dilemma by claiming he could utilize his subjective opinions as a citizen—and along with his praxeological insights support Laissez faire (unhampered) capitalism.
Mises also had some quarrels with basing any defense of the individual on Natural Law. He believed socialists and interventionists could twist Natural Law theory to support their own spurious social theories. He has a point. Still, I believe that one scientific system of ethics solves the problem. It is the rational system of Objectivism.
A libertarian who possesses the weapons of Praxeology and Objectivism has an undefeatable arsenal of logic and reason at his disposal.
Politics: Individual Rights and Capitalism
Praxeology (economic science) proves beyond a reasonable doubt that capitalism is the only social system that benefits the vast majority of individuals. Objectivism supplies capitalism with its moral foundation—with its spirited defense of individual rights. Objectivism is 100% correct in its advocacy of capitalism and individual rights.
Our current political system is corrupt and anti-life. Our “beloved” political and financial leaders unwittingly cause havoc to our faltering economic system. Years of government interventionism dealt our economy severe blows. Now it is on life support. And how does our economic “doctors” treat the patient? With the arsenic of massive bailouts—bailouts that guarantee the patient expires from a combination of dehydration and massive internal bleeding.
Metaphysics: Objective Reality
Objectivism is based on three axiomatic concepts: Existence, Identity, Consciousness. These are real and fundamental—although some “intellectuals” and mystics attempt to deny them. Try to visualize non-existence, non-identity and non-consciousness. It’s impossible. I have reached high states of awareness in my meditations—but I’ve never seen any evidence of anti-axioms.
Unlike some Objectivists, I believe a person can indulge in a spiritual practice and remain quite logical. Let’s say for instance that you believe in New Age Metaphysics. Successfully practicing this discipline requires that you never deny axiomatic concepts. It does mean you tap your intuitive powers. You meditate to better connect the two sides of the brain. Objectivism takes advantage of the reasoning side of the brain. Spiritual insights are the result of exploring the intuitive side of the brain. A marriage between the reasoning side of the brain and the intuitive side integrates the mind—and unleashes all its powers.
Epistemology: Reason
Objectivism states that reason is the only means for man to gain knowledge. Now we can’t deny—that without reason men and women would be no better off than savages—in fact, they would exist in a lower state than the savage would. Man’s power of reason created our marvelous civilization and freed people from the primitive forces of their environment. To deny the power of reason is to condemn men and women to a less than human existence.
I happen to believe a person can also obtain knowledge by using his intuitive powers. Of course, intuitive insights must never contradict the laws of Praxeology.
Ethics: Rational Self-Interest
Objectivism advocates that an individual should always act in rational self-interest. The philosophy of rational selfishness is the only one that corresponds to the nature of man.
The anti-life philosophy of altruism has failed miserably in practice. Why has it failed? Because it advocates selflessness and self-sacrifice. It denies the sanctity of the individual. It is antagonistic to rational self-interest. It poisons and slowly destroys any society that attempts to practice it, just as it is destroying the American Way of Life. It is the philosophy of Anti-Life.
Praxeology sets forth irrefutable economic principles. Objectivism imparts an ethical system based on Natural Law. As you can see the combination of Praxeology and Objectivism concocts a potent mixture of logic and reason that supplies a perfect defense for the social system of unhampered capitalism—the only social system that defends an individual’s right to life, liberty, ownership of property and the pursuit of happiness.
Robert A. Meyer
The Libertarian Way