Debate: It is Smart to Get a PhD in Economics | Block and North

Archived from the live Mises.tv broadcast, this debate between Gary North and Walter Block was presented at the 2011 Mises University in Auburn, Alabama. Moderated by Peter G. Klein.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Economics
• PhD
• Education
• Ludwig
• von
• Mises
• Institute
• University
• 2011
• Walter
• Block
• Gary
• North
• Austrian
• Liberty
• Property
• Peace

[ArmednSafe]

I want to hear a debate between an anarcho-capitalist and a minimal-statist.

[passerby26]

I like Walter Block, but sometimes I think his ideologies get in the way of his logic. Driving on public roads or using fiat currency is not the same thing as being paid by the State to teach. There is no alternative for driving nor is there a voluntary alternative currency source. You are forced to use both at the point of a gun (unless you intend to live the life of a hermit). Nobody holds a gun to your head to become a tenured professor paid for by tax dollars. That's a voluntary choice.

[tewj57]

@warwize Well, when you can explain what's wrong with Menger's price theory, we're all ears.

[stillhorse]

As much as I believe both arguments have their undeniable merits, the clear answer is to get a doctorate in physics, then go to work for either Jet Propulsion Lab or ILM ;P.

[VastChoirs]

North's argument was really stupid. Essentially he's saying that getting a PHD in economics will not advance your knowledge of Austrian economics and will not promote Austrian economics to others. I think the majority of people seeking graduate economics degrees are interested in the more applied economics disciplines (econometrics, financial economics, energy economics). I frankly don't care about Austrianism or Keynsianism or writing blogs and making youtube videos promoting viewpoints.

[warwize]

lol Gary North is hilariously silly. A "christian reconstructionist" and "austrianist"...

The type of person who subscribes to ideologies he enjoys instead of looking at empirical data...no wonder cost curves and math scare him.

[warwize]

"sound austrian economics"

oxymoron, no?

[passerby26]

@stealthswimmer No, you can't have your own private school. Well, you kinda can, but it must adhere to government rules and regulations to a large degree. And, you're going to have to pay tax, be licensed, etc. I like Walter Block, but he just can't stare this devil in the face, nor would most when it's their livelihood. What is the message being delivered? "Violence is really bad in the free market....except when it comes to my salary. Then I'll make an exception."

[passerby26]

@stealthswimmer To me, it just doesn't convince when you take blood money to talk about the free market to students. Even just at an unconscious level, the idea of speaking about the beauty of the free market while your salary is paid for through violence lingers, regardless of what you might learn at the school. The idea that "government is going to take your money anyway, why not use it against them?" is hypocritical as it gives tacit consent to it. The beast grows because we feed it.

[stealthswimmer]

@duke1duke1

Fair enough. I just don't see how that means there's anything wrong with teaching at a university. The government is gonna spend that money anyways whether you happen to be teaching there or not.

Also, if you really wanted to, I'm pretty sure you *could* have your own private school that doesn't accept taxpayer money. I think some already exist, actually.

[stealthswimmer]

@passerby26

Maybe, but New Keynesianism is different than the older stuff to some degree. Also, Keynesian economics isn't the only thing you learn. You learn lots of Neo-Classical stuff, which is useful. The search for truth is far more important than blindly following a single school.

[denisonM]

cheating age? no, he looks like a fat old man, which is what he is.