Action - Revision history

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Repoint 2 dead mises.org links to the archived original (automated; see Austrian Economics Wiki:Link repointing)

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	Human '''action''' is purposeful behavior.		Human '''action''' is purposeful behavior.

	The science of [[praxeology]] and its best developed subdivision, [[economics]], is based on an analysis of the implications of this fundamental truth.<ref name="Mises_action">Ludwig von Mises. [https://~~mises.~~freecapitalists.org/~~humanaction~~/~~chap1sec1.asp~~ "1. Purposeful Action and Animal Reaction"], Chapter 1. Acting Man, ''[[Human Action]]'' online edition, referenced 2009-05-01.</ref><ref name="Rothbard_action">Murray N. Rothbard. [http://mises.org/rothbard/mes/chap1a.asp "Chapter 1-Fundamentals in Human Action"], ''[[Man, Economy and State]]'', online edition, referenced 2009-05-01.</ref>		The science of [[praxeology]] and its best developed subdivision, [[economics]], is based on an analysis of the implications of this fundamental truth.<ref name="Mises_action">Ludwig von Mises. [https://freecapitalists.org/books/human-action/read/chapter-i-acting-man/ "1. Purposeful Action and Animal Reaction"], Chapter 1. Acting Man, ''[[Human Action]]'' online edition, referenced 2009-05-01.</ref><ref name="Rothbard_action">Murray N. Rothbard. [http://mises.org/rothbard/mes/chap1a.asp "Chapter 1-Fundamentals in Human Action"], ''[[Man, Economy and State]]'', online edition, referenced 2009-05-01.</ref>

	==Action==		==Action==
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	===Action as Exchange===		===Action as Exchange===
	Action is an attempt to exchange a less satisfactory state of affairs for a more satisfactory one. What gratifies less is abandoned in order to attain something that pleases more. The benefit of an action is its ''psychic revenue'' or [[profit]]. The next-best alternative, that is abandoned, is the [[price]], its [[value]] is called the [[cost]].<ref name="Mises_exchange">Ludwig von Mises [https://~~mises.~~freecapitalists.org/~~humanaction~~/~~chap4sec4.asp~~ "4. Action as an Exchange"] Chapter IV. A first analysis of the category of Action, ''[[Human Action]]'', online edition, referenced 2009-05-11.</ref><ref name="Rothbard_action" />		Action is an attempt to exchange a less satisfactory state of affairs for a more satisfactory one. What gratifies less is abandoned in order to attain something that pleases more. The benefit of an action is its ''psychic revenue'' or [[profit]]. The next-best alternative, that is abandoned, is the [[price]], its [[value]] is called the [[cost]].<ref name="Mises_exchange">Ludwig von Mises [https://freecapitalists.org/books/human-action/read/chapter-iv-a-first-analysis-of-the-category-of-action/ "4. Action as an Exchange"] Chapter IV. A first analysis of the category of Action, ''[[Human Action]]'', online edition, referenced 2009-05-11.</ref><ref name="Rothbard_action" />

	The exchange may be ''autistic'', not involving another person, or it may be ''interpersonal''. Interpersonal exchange is also called [[trade]].		The exchange may be ''autistic'', not involving another person, or it may be ''interpersonal''. Interpersonal exchange is also called [[trade]].

ArchiveBot: Repoint 2 dead mises.org links to the archived original (automated; see Austrian Economics Wiki:Link repointing)

2026-08-16T04:08:08Z

Repoint 2 dead mises.org links to the archived original (automated; see Austrian Economics Wiki:Link repointing)

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:08, 16 August 2026
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	Human '''action''' is purposeful behavior.		Human '''action''' is purposeful behavior.

	The science of [[praxeology]] and its best developed subdivision, [[economics]], is based on an analysis of the implications of this fundamental truth.<ref name="Mises_action">Ludwig von Mises. [~~http~~://mises.org/humanaction/chap1sec1.asp "1. Purposeful Action and Animal Reaction"], Chapter 1. Acting Man, ''[[Human Action]]'' online edition, referenced 2009-05-01.</ref><ref name="Rothbard_action">Murray N. Rothbard. [http://mises.org/rothbard/mes/chap1a.asp "Chapter 1-Fundamentals in Human Action"], ''[[Man, Economy and State]]'', online edition, referenced 2009-05-01.</ref>		The science of [[praxeology]] and its best developed subdivision, [[economics]], is based on an analysis of the implications of this fundamental truth.<ref name="Mises_action">Ludwig von Mises. [https://mises.freecapitalists.org/humanaction/chap1sec1.asp "1. Purposeful Action and Animal Reaction"], Chapter 1. Acting Man, ''[[Human Action]]'' online edition, referenced 2009-05-01.</ref><ref name="Rothbard_action">Murray N. Rothbard. [http://mises.org/rothbard/mes/chap1a.asp "Chapter 1-Fundamentals in Human Action"], ''[[Man, Economy and State]]'', online edition, referenced 2009-05-01.</ref>

	==Action==		==Action==
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	===Action as Exchange===		===Action as Exchange===
	Action is an attempt to exchange a less satisfactory state of affairs for a more satisfactory one. What gratifies less is abandoned in order to attain something that pleases more. The benefit of an action is its ''psychic revenue'' or [[profit]]. The next-best alternative, that is abandoned, is the [[price]], its [[value]] is called the [[cost]].<ref name="Mises_exchange">Ludwig von Mises [~~http~~://mises.org/humanaction/chap4sec4.asp "4. Action as an Exchange"] Chapter IV. A first analysis of the category of Action, ''[[Human Action]]'', online edition, referenced 2009-05-11.</ref><ref name="Rothbard_action" />		Action is an attempt to exchange a less satisfactory state of affairs for a more satisfactory one. What gratifies less is abandoned in order to attain something that pleases more. The benefit of an action is its ''psychic revenue'' or [[profit]]. The next-best alternative, that is abandoned, is the [[price]], its [[value]] is called the [[cost]].<ref name="Mises_exchange">Ludwig von Mises [https://mises.freecapitalists.org/humanaction/chap4sec4.asp "4. Action as an Exchange"] Chapter IV. A first analysis of the category of Action, ''[[Human Action]]'', online edition, referenced 2009-05-11.</ref><ref name="Rothbard_action" />

	The exchange may be ''autistic'', not involving another person, or it may be ''interpersonal''. Interpersonal exchange is also called [[trade]].		The exchange may be ''autistic'', not involving another person, or it may be ''interpersonal''. Interpersonal exchange is also called [[trade]].

Pestergaines: /* Links */ +See also

2011-11-23T12:05:05Z

Links: +See also

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	==Links==		==Links==
	* [http://www.apriorist.de/modx/hauyf/ ''Human Action'', chap. I. ''Acting Man'' online lesson]		* [http://www.apriorist.de/modx/hauyf/ ''Human Action'', chap. I. ''Acting Man'' online lesson]
			{{See also\|Action axiom}}

	==References==		==References==

Dsanchez at 01:39, 31 July 2011

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	==Action==		==Action==
	Paraphrased, '''action''' is will put into operation, aiming at ends and goals, the ego's meaningful response to stimuli and to the conditions of its environment, a person's conscious adjustment to the state of the universe that determines his life. All human beings act by virtue of their existence and their nature as human beings.		Paraphrased, '''action''' is will put into operation, aiming at ends and goals, the ego's meaningful response to stimuli and to the conditions of its environment, a person's conscious adjustment to the state of the universe that determines his life. The end of an action is always the alleviation of some felt [[uneasiness]]. All human beings act by virtue of their existence and their nature as human beings.

	An '''end''' is everything which men aim at. A '''means''' is everything acting men consider as such.		An '''end''' is everything which men aim at. A '''means''' is everything acting men consider as such.

84.60.206.225: Acting Man lesson

2011-02-16T13:51:08Z

Acting Man lesson

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	All human beings act by virtue of their existence and their nature as human beings. We could not conceive of human beings who do not act purposefully, who have no ends in view that they desire and attempt to attain. Things that did not act, that did not behave purposefully, would no longer be classified as human.<ref name="Rothbard_action" />		All human beings act by virtue of their existence and their nature as human beings. We could not conceive of human beings who do not act purposefully, who have no ends in view that they desire and attempt to attain. Things that did not act, that did not behave purposefully, would no longer be classified as human.<ref name="Rothbard_action" />

			==Links==
			* [http://www.apriorist.de/modx/hauyf/ ''Human Action'', chap. I. ''Acting Man'' online lesson]

	==References==		==References==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}

	[[Category:Economic concepts]]		[[Category:Economic concepts]]

Forgottenman: /* References */Category:Economical Concepts --> Category:Economic concepts using AWB

2010-11-09T18:00:24Z

References: Category:Economical Concepts --> Category:Economic concepts using AWB

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	==References==		==References==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}
	[[Category:~~Economical Concepts~~]]		[[Category:Economic concepts]]

Pestergaines: 9 revisions: Importing pages from Autrian Economics Wiki.

2010-11-05T16:23:59Z

9 revisions: Importing pages from Autrian Economics Wiki.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:23, 5 November 2010
(No difference)

Pestergaines: Internalized link to Uncertainty.

2009-10-10T10:48:17Z

Internalized link to Uncertainty.

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	A man’s time is always [[Scarcity\|scarce]]. He is not immortal; his time on earth is limited. Each day of his life has only 24 hours in which he can attain his ends. Furthermore, all actions must take place through time. Therefore time is a means that man must use to arrive at his ends. It is a means that is omnipresent in all human action.		A man’s time is always [[Scarcity\|scarce]]. He is not immortal; his time on earth is limited. Each day of his life has only 24 hours in which he can attain his ends. Furthermore, all actions must take place through time. Therefore time is a means that man must use to arrive at his ends. It is a means that is omnipresent in all human action.

	A fundamental implication is the '''uncertainty of the future'''. If man knew future events completely, he would never act, since no act of his could change the situation. This uncertainty about future events stems from two basic sources: the unpredictability of human acts of choice, and insufficient knowledge about natural phenomena. Man does not know enough about natural phenomena to predict all their future developments, and he cannot know the content of future human choices. All human choices are continually changing as a result of changing valuations and changing ideas about the most appropriate means of arriving at ends. This does not mean, of course, that people do not try their best to estimate future developments. Indeed, any actor, when employing means, estimates that he will thus arrive at his desired goal. But he never has certain knowledge of the future. All his actions are of necessity speculations based on his judgment of the course of future events. The omnipresence of uncertainty introduces the ever-present possibility of error in human action. The actor may find, after he has completed his action, that the means have been inappropriate to the attainment of his end.<ref name="Rothbard_action" />		A fundamental implication is the '''[[uncertainty]] of the future'''. If man knew future events completely, he would never act, since no act of his could change the situation. This uncertainty about future events stems from two basic sources: the unpredictability of human acts of choice, and insufficient knowledge about natural phenomena. Man does not know enough about natural phenomena to predict all their future developments, and he cannot know the content of future human choices. All human choices are continually changing as a result of changing valuations and changing ideas about the most appropriate means of arriving at ends. This does not mean, of course, that people do not try their best to estimate future developments. Indeed, any actor, when employing means, estimates that he will thus arrive at his desired goal. But he never has certain knowledge of the future. All his actions are of necessity speculations based on his judgment of the course of future events. The omnipresence of uncertainty introduces the ever-present possibility of error in human action. The actor may find, after he has completed his action, that the means have been inappropriate to the attainment of his end.<ref name="Rothbard_action" />

	===Action as Exchange===		===Action as Exchange===

Pestergaines: Rewritten Action as Exchange.

2009-06-15T20:38:13Z

Rewritten Action as Exchange.

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	===Action as Exchange===		===Action as Exchange===
	Action is an attempt to ~~substitute~~ a ~~more~~ satisfactory state of affairs for a ~~less~~ satisfactory one~~. We call such a willfully induced alteration an exchange. A less desirable condition is bartered for a more desirable~~. What gratifies less is abandoned in order to attain something that pleases more. ~~That which~~ is abandoned is ~~called~~ the price ~~paid for the attainment of the end sought. The~~ value ~~of the price paid~~ is called ~~costs. Costs are equal to~~ the ~~value attached to the satisfaction which one must forego in order to attain the end aimed at~~.<ref name="Mises_exchange">Ludwig von Mises [http://mises.org/humanaction/chap4sec4.asp "4. Action as an Exchange"] Chapter IV. A first analysis of the category of Action, ''[[Human Action]]'', online edition, referenced 2009-05-11.</ref>		Action is an attempt to exchange a less satisfactory state of affairs for a more satisfactory one. What gratifies less is abandoned in order to attain something that pleases more. The benefit of an action is its ''psychic revenue'' or [[profit]]. The next-best alternative, that is abandoned, is the [[price]], its [[value]] is called the [[cost]].<ref name="Mises_exchange">Ludwig von Mises [http://mises.org/humanaction/chap4sec4.asp "4. Action as an Exchange"] Chapter IV. A first analysis of the category of Action, ''[[Human Action]]'', online edition, referenced 2009-05-11.</ref><ref name="Rothbard_action" />

	The exchange may be ''autistic'', not involving another person, or it may be ''interpersonal''. Interpersonal exchange is also called [[trade]].		The exchange may be ''autistic'', not involving another person, or it may be ''interpersonal''. Interpersonal exchange is also called [[trade]].

Pestergaines: Adjusting resources and some wording.

2009-06-15T10:55:20Z

Adjusting resources and some wording.

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	The individual actor is faced with an environment that he would like to change in order to attain his ends. Man can work only with the elements that he finds in his environment, by rearranging them to bring about the satisfaction of his ends. The environment may be divided into two parts: those elements which he believes he cannot control and must leave unchanged, and those which he can alter (or thinks he can alter) to arrive at his ends. The former may be termed the '''general conditions''' of the action; the latter, the '''means''' used.		The individual actor is faced with an environment that he would like to change in order to attain his ends. Man can work only with the elements that he finds in his environment, by rearranging them to bring about the satisfaction of his ends. The environment may be divided into two parts: those elements which he believes he cannot control and must leave unchanged, and those which he can alter (or thinks he can alter) to arrive at his ends. The former may be termed the '''general conditions''' of the action; the latter, the '''means''' used.

	Every act must therefore involve the employment of means by individual actors to attempt to arrive at certain desired ends. The general conditions cannot be the objects of any human action; only the means can be employed in action.		Every act must therefore involve the employment of means by individual actors to attempt to arrive at certain desired ends. The general conditions cannot be the objects of any human action; only the means can be employed in action.<ref name="Rothbard_action" />

	===Action and Time===		===Action and Time===
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	A man’s time is always [[Scarcity\|scarce]]. He is not immortal; his time on earth is limited. Each day of his life has only 24 hours in which he can attain his ends. Furthermore, all actions must take place through time. Therefore time is a means that man must use to arrive at his ends. It is a means that is omnipresent in all human action.		A man’s time is always [[Scarcity\|scarce]]. He is not immortal; his time on earth is limited. Each day of his life has only 24 hours in which he can attain his ends. Furthermore, all actions must take place through time. Therefore time is a means that man must use to arrive at his ends. It is a means that is omnipresent in all human action.

	A fundamental implication is the '''uncertainty of the future'''. If man knew future events completely, he would never act, since no act of his could change the situation. This uncertainty about future events stems from two basic sources: the unpredictability of human acts of choice, and insufficient knowledge about natural phenomena. Man does not know enough about natural phenomena to predict all their future developments, and he cannot know the content of future human choices. All human choices are continually changing as a result of changing valuations and changing ideas about the most appropriate means of arriving at ends. This does not mean, of course, that people do not try their best to estimate future developments. Indeed, any actor, when employing means, estimates that he will thus arrive at his desired goal. But he never has certain knowledge of the future. All his actions are of necessity speculations based on his judgment of the course of future events. The omnipresence of uncertainty introduces the ever-present possibility of error in human action. The actor may find, after he has completed his action, that the means have been inappropriate to the attainment of his end.		A fundamental implication is the '''uncertainty of the future'''. If man knew future events completely, he would never act, since no act of his could change the situation. This uncertainty about future events stems from two basic sources: the unpredictability of human acts of choice, and insufficient knowledge about natural phenomena. Man does not know enough about natural phenomena to predict all their future developments, and he cannot know the content of future human choices. All human choices are continually changing as a result of changing valuations and changing ideas about the most appropriate means of arriving at ends. This does not mean, of course, that people do not try their best to estimate future developments. Indeed, any actor, when employing means, estimates that he will thus arrive at his desired goal. But he never has certain knowledge of the future. All his actions are of necessity speculations based on his judgment of the course of future events. The omnipresence of uncertainty introduces the ever-present possibility of error in human action. The actor may find, after he has completed his action, that the means have been inappropriate to the attainment of his end.<ref name="Rothbard_action" />

	===Action as Exchange===		===Action as Exchange===
	Action is an attempt to substitute a more satisfactory state of affairs for a less satisfactory one. We call such a willfully induced alteration an exchange. A less desirable condition is bartered for a more desirable. What gratifies less is abandoned in order to attain something that pleases more. That which is abandoned is called the price paid for the attainment of the end sought. The value of the price paid is called costs. Costs are equal to the value attached to the satisfaction which one must forego in order to attain the end aimed at.<ref name="Mises_exchange">Ludwig von Mises [http://mises.org/humanaction/chap4sec4.asp "4. Action as an Exchange"] Chapter IV. A first analysis of the category of Action, ''[[Human Action]]'', online edition, referenced 2009-05-11.</ref>		Action is an attempt to substitute a more satisfactory state of affairs for a less satisfactory one. We call such a willfully induced alteration an exchange. A less desirable condition is bartered for a more desirable. What gratifies less is abandoned in order to attain something that pleases more. That which is abandoned is called the price paid for the attainment of the end sought. The value of the price paid is called costs. Costs are equal to the value attached to the satisfaction which one must forego in order to attain the end aimed at.<ref name="Mises_exchange">Ludwig von Mises [http://mises.org/humanaction/chap4sec4.asp "4. Action as an Exchange"] Chapter IV. A first analysis of the category of Action, ''[[Human Action]]'', online edition, referenced 2009-05-11.</ref>

	The exchange may be ''autistic'', not involving another person, or it may be ''interpersonal''. Interpersonal exchange~~, made out of free will,~~ is called [[trade]].		The exchange may be ''autistic'', not involving another person, or it may be ''interpersonal''. Interpersonal exchange is also called [[trade]].

	===Actors as individuals===		===Actors as individuals===
	Human action can be only undertaken by individual “actors.” Only individuals have ends and can act to attain them. “Societies” or “groups” have no independent existence aside from the actions of their individual members. Thus, to say that “governments” act is merely a metaphor; actually, certain individuals are in a certain relationship with other individuals and act in a way that they and the other individuals recognize as “governmental.” This does not mean that the collective institution itself has any reality apart from the acts of various individuals. Similarly, an individual may contract to act as an agent in representing another individual or on behalf of his family. Still, only individuals can desire and act. The existence of an institution such as government becomes meaningful only through the actions of those individuals who are and those who are not considered as members.		Human action can be only undertaken by individual “actors.” Only individuals have ends and can act to attain them. “Societies” or “groups” have no independent existence aside from the actions of their individual members. Thus, to say that “governments” act is merely a metaphor; actually, certain individuals are in a certain relationship with other individuals and act in a way that they and the other individuals recognize as “governmental.” This does not mean that the collective institution itself has any reality apart from the acts of various individuals. Similarly, an individual may contract to act as an agent in representing another individual or on behalf of his family. Still, only individuals can desire and act. The existence of an institution such as government becomes meaningful only through the actions of those individuals who are and those who are not considered as members.<ref name="Rothbard_action" />

	===What is not action===		===What is not action===
	Human action is purposeful behavior, unlike those observed movements which, from the point of view of man, are not purposeful. These include all the observed movements of inorganic matter and purely reflexive types of human behavior, that are simply involuntary responses to certain stimuli. Human action, on the other hand, can be meaningfully interpreted by other men, for it is governed by a certain purpose that the actor has in view. The purpose of a man’s act is his end; the desire to achieve this end is the man’s motive for instituting the action.		Human action is purposeful behavior, unlike those observed movements which, from the point of view of man, are not purposeful. These include all the observed movements of inorganic matter and purely reflexive types of human behavior, that are simply involuntary responses to certain stimuli. Human action, on the other hand, can be meaningfully interpreted by other men, for it is governed by a certain purpose that the actor has in view. The purpose of a man’s act is his end; the desire to achieve this end is the man’s motive for instituting the action.<ref name="Rothbard_action" />

	All human beings act by virtue of their existence and their nature as human beings. We could not conceive of human beings who do not act purposefully, who have no ends in view that they desire and attempt to attain. Things that did not act, that did not behave purposefully, would no longer be classified as human.		All human beings act by virtue of their existence and their nature as human beings. We could not conceive of human beings who do not act purposefully, who have no ends in view that they desire and attempt to attain. Things that did not act, that did not behave purposefully, would no longer be classified as human.<ref name="Rothbard_action" />

	==References==		==References==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}
	[[Category:Economical Concepts]]		[[Category:Economical Concepts]]