Re: Hayek's Conception of Knowledge (wasRe:Harry Magdoff

["Charles Brown" <CharlesB@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>>> timework@xxxxxxxxx 07/19/00 12:25PM >>>
Charles Brown wrote,

> Secondly, this theory ignores the fact that the only "market" that has
> ever existed in the real world causes mass poverty and war. In other
> words, Hayek's satisfaction with the performance of the market in
> history ignores some very critical facts.

I don't know whether or not the "theory" ignores poverty and war, but the
central political practice that justifies itself by reference to the
theory holds that poverty and war are corrective mechanisms -- mysterious
proof, like business bankruptcies, of the uncanny wisdom of the invisible
hand.

_________

CB: Lets say gives a perverted interpretation/evaluation of these facts in concluding that the market has been a success for humanity. Lets say ignores that war and poverty are not fulfillments of needs, desires and preferences for their millions of victims.

_________


Of course, there is ample theological precedent for taking
catastrophe as a sign of God's providence. Poverty is God's/market's way
of punishing faithlessness and sloth. Don't ya know? War is God's way of
trampling out the vinyards where the (rogue) grapes of wrath are
stor'd. Glory Hallelujah.

________

CB: Actually, at least the original Battle Hymn of the Republic ended up on the right side in the struggle. John Brown's body lies a smoldering in the grave, but his soul is marching on.