Individual versus Subjective Values
Tibor R. Machan
Abstract
Tibor R. Machan
Abstract
The objective of this essay is to recast the familiar subjective value theory underlying neo‐classical (including Austrian) economics as more of an objectivist albeit individual value theory. The body of scientific economics remains intact, as well as the political economic implication of value diversity (which the price system of the marketplace alone can fully accommodate). What changes is the view that economic science must assume the meta‐ethical position of subjectivism and non‐cognitivism, a position that certainly has no place within economics proper and one that aside from facing many philosophical difficulties is also incredible from the viewpoint of common sense (thus posing as an obstacle to the plausibility of neo‐classical economics when introduced into ordinary political discourse and evaluated comparatively (e.g. vis‐à‐vis varieties of Marxist economics).
A significance statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.
A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.
Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.
Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.
Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.
Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.
The objective of this essay is to recast the familiar subjective value theory underlying neo‐classical (including Austrian) economics as more of an objectivist albeit individual value theory. The body of scientific economics remains intact, as well as the political economic implication of value diversity (which the price system of the marketplace alone can fully accommodate). What changes is the view that economic science must assume the meta‐ethical position of subjectivism and non‐cognitivism, a position that certainly has no place within economics proper and one that aside from facing many philosophical difficulties is also incredible from the viewpoint of common sense (thus posing as an obstacle to the plausibility of neo‐classical economics when introduced into ordinary political discourse and evaluated comparatively (e.g. vis‐à‐vis varieties of Marxist economics).
Key concepts: Subjectivism, Objectivism, Aside, Positive economics, Marxist philosophy, Value (mathematics), Epistemology, Value theory