Logic and Action

Special experience is not required in order to act.  Nor can laboratory experiments be done in regard to human action.  As Kant pointed out, “Although our knowledge begins with experience, it does not follow that it arises from experience.”  A child doesn’t know 5 plus 5 equals 10 automatically.  He may have to look at his fingers first.  However, after he learns it, he will know it prior to experience

We can use imaginary worlds to understand conditions.  Like the example of Crusoe.  This is a thought experiment with man face to face with nature.  This is an imaginary world.  This is a logical experiment to understand the real world.  Crusoe must proceed in a certain way to survive.  Crusoe must cooperate with Friday and eventually John.  This is an example we can use in our search for knowledge and truth.

All are subject to the same law that Crusoe is subject to.  That is natural law.  The leaders of a country are subject to this same law.  However, they reject the natural law.  They are drunk with power.  Many things have been done by leaders that could have been thought about logically if they used the example of Crusoe.  They will have mouth pieces for their doctrine which they call scientific.  Policies which boldly disregard natural law.

The truth bearer will never be the favorite of overlords.  He must deduce his conclusions from an irrefutable starting point—the body.  He will always be hated because he is honest.  Truth is a challenge to those in power.  They will appeal to historical examples and experiments.   The factors can never be the same.   This way, attempts to replicate historical examples and experiments can go on forever.

We must never deviate from the proper starting point.  Man is fallible, mistakes can and will be made.  However, with the proper method, you can be right more often.   It’s It is impossible to deal with human action any other way.   It may be called “practical” or other names, but it’s just an alternative name for empiricism.  Human action is not repeatable.  It can never be put into a formula or graph that can be repeated in the real world. 

Reference

Ludwig von Mises; Human Action

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