Principles of Praxeology Part V - Choice

Description:

In this fifth installment of the "Principles of Praxeology"-series, Dr. Antony P. Mueller explores the foundational role of choice in human action. Through a clear and thought-provoking presentation, the video delves into the logic of purposeful behavior, the essence of human action, emphasizing that all human action is rational from a praxeological perspective — even when it leads to mistakes or regret.

Key topics include:

• ✅ Erroneous Action – Why no one acts with the intention to fail, and how mistakes reveal limits in means or foresight.

• ✅ Regret and Learning – The impossibility of changing the past and the subjective nature of “right” decisions.

• ✅ Rational Action – How reason guides action, and why what seems “irrational” may simply reflect different ends or knowledge.

• ✅ Thinking and Speaking as Action – Language and thought as purposeful tools of human engagement.

• ✅ Egoism vs. Altruism – Why all action, even altruistic, is driven by the pursuit of personal ends.

• ✅ Preferences and Value – Understanding subjective, ordinal preferences and the limits of interpersonal comparison.

• ✅ Means and Ends – How value arises not from objects, but from the role they play in achieving desired outcomes.

Not only do persons interested in Austrian economics benefit from this video lecture, but all thinkers interested in the logic of human behavior will. Anyone seeking clarity on subjective value, action theory, and the meaning of rationality will gain immensely when attending the lecture.

The course is free to attend, but the International Mises Academy (IMA) encourages voluntary financial support — either through a direct payment for this course or donations to The International Mises Academy (Navigation link "Support" at IMA) and help sustain our mission.

Join Professor Antony Mueller as he brings the timeless insights of praxeology to life — exploring what it means to choose, to act, and to learn as purposeful human beings.