by Kerschagl
[Title Page and Publication Details]: Title page and publication information for the inaugural address of Dr. Richard Kerschagl as Rector of the Hochschule für Welthandel in Vienna, delivered on October 18, 1947. [The Social Ideal as an Economic Factor]: Kerschagl explores the 'social ideal' (Wunschbild) as a driving force in economic history, distinguishing it from mere utopia by its forward-looking nature and its role in shaping reality. He analyzes the inherent dualism between freedom and constraint within various economic schools, including Mercantilism, Physiocracy, the Classical School, Romanticism, Marxism, and the Austrian School. He argues that economic systems are rarely pure, often blending contradictory ideals to adapt to dynamic social realities. Ultimately, he asserts that while economic goals require material means, the ultimate aim should be human dignity, achieved through the power of ideas rather than the idea of power, advocating for a 'free union of independent spirits' in the tradition of Friedrich von Wieser. [Bibliographical Note]: A brief bibliographical note by the author listing his published works on economic methodology, the history of Austrian economics, and trade policy, which provide further context for the speech.
Title page and publication information for the inaugural address of Dr. Richard Kerschagl as Rector of the Hochschule für Welthandel in Vienna, delivered on October 18, 1947.
Read full textKerschagl explores the 'social ideal' (Wunschbild) as a driving force in economic history, distinguishing it from mere utopia by its forward-looking nature and its role in shaping reality. He analyzes the inherent dualism between freedom and constraint within various economic schools, including Mercantilism, Physiocracy, the Classical School, Romanticism, Marxism, and the Austrian School. He argues that economic systems are rarely pure, often blending contradictory ideals to adapt to dynamic social realities. Ultimately, he asserts that while economic goals require material means, the ultimate aim should be human dignity, achieved through the power of ideas rather than the idea of power, advocating for a 'free union of independent spirits' in the tradition of Friedrich von Wieser.
Read full textA brief bibliographical note by the author listing his published works on economic methodology, the history of Austrian economics, and trade policy, which provide further context for the speech.
Read full text