On Bourgeois Logic
Interesting take if only for its interpretive differences. Obviously the quote Dave presented lacks the full context. However, the summation accurately represents that section of Theory & History. There are other portions of the text that I feel should be included to elaborate further and benefit interpretation.
Mises is talking about Marxist class analysis and differentiates between the caste system (in which birthright determines social status) and class system (not disregarding birth as a contributing fact, but allowing for greater freedom in changing social status). So here is the important differentiation (equality in law):
[A]ll members of every caste but the most privileged have one interest in common, viz., to wipe out the legal disabilities of their own caste. … But no such conflicts are present in a society in which all citizens are equal before the law.
The following quote would be better phrased by placing “legal” before “privileges,” “protection,” and “barriers.” Mises is at that point differentiating between the two systems: Caste and Class.
Another quote from this section that I really enjoy is:
What has to be shown is how the individuals are induced to act in such a way that mankind finally reaches the point the productive forces want it to attain.
So Mises is hinting at comparative institutional analysis and the utility possibilities of different institutional structures. Because, in his understanding, the contemporary system doesn’t provide goods and services as efficiently (meaning the fulfillment of demands for the maximum utility of the consumer).
“In the unhampered market economy there are no privileges, no protection of vested interests, no barriers preventing anybody from striving after any prize.”—
Justin, Henry, this is what I’m talking about. Rash Dave injects his prejudices into this statement. He isn’t thinking about what hampers market activity, he’s thinking about what hampers his market activity.
I don’t see how you’ve come to that conclusion, Ben. I certainly haven’t followed your discussion with him, if this was a portion of it. However, I’m pretty sure that he perceives impeding on his market activity as impeding on market activity, as they’re one and the same when it comes to legislated restrictions.
