Dear LRC blog readers, contributors:

When it comes to questions about Austrian economics or libertarianism, my answers may not always be correct, but, at least, I’m confident in my replies, and I don’t usually need help in answering them. Today, there is an exception. I really don’t know how to answer this important query, and I’d appreciate all the help I can get with it.

It is my understanding that at the Mises Seminar at NYU, he was continually throwing out topics for further research. I attended the last of these events (I don’t like to brag, but I actually shook hands with the Great Man; I never washed my hand since, so, if you shake hands with me, you get a bit dirty, but, you channel Ludwig von Mises!) but I don’t remember any of his suggestions.

So, if you have any, please send them to me, and I’ll pass them along to S, see below. The only thing I can think of is to do empirical illustrations (not tests; hey, I’m a praxeologist!) of Austrian insights, such as business cycle theory, minimum wage, rent control, free trade benefits, the economic disarray caused by statism, taxes, regulations, monetarism, fractional reserve banking, etc., but I don’t think this really cuts the mustard. I’d be happy to compile a list, and share it on this blog, of Austrian research topics. Please engage in a brain-storming exercise with me on this matter. When in doubt, send me your suggestions. But, don’t be limited by S’s specific requirements. I think it would be a good idea to have a general list of this sort.

Best regards,

Walter

From: S
Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2019 9:10 PM
To: Walter Block <[email protected]>
Subject: advice for a thesis topic related to Austrian?

Greetings, dear Professor Block.

If you have a minute, please give me an advice.

Could you tell me if there is any online list of suggested topics or fields of research at undergrad/grad level that are relevant to Austrian Economics?

What is your personal opinion on this matter?

I need to pick a topic now and give a brief on supposed contents and methodology. The work itself can be done over a course of several months.

Since my university itself and specifically my faculty is about international business, I cannot pick a purely theoretical or political topic, or something that will sound explicitly “heterodox”. At the same time, Iʼd rather pick a topic where Austrian theory or some aspects of it can be applied, as it will give me a chance to study it better and in a more applied way.

And another consideration for me: it makes little sense to pick a subject that is already dealt with in detail by others or that is outdated within modern economic framework (general mainstream one and Austrian).

I will appreciate if you may suggest me, what you consider being worth working on.

Best regards, S

The Best of Walter E. Block