Regression |
a statistical measure that attempts to determine the strength of the relationship between one dependent variable (usually denoted by Y) and a series of other changing independent variables (known as the explanatory variables or predictors). For instance, an economist may try to establish a relationship between the demand for coffee, and the prices of coffee and tea. The result of the regression analysis would indicate whether an increase in the prices of coffee and tea has a significant impact on coffee sales. |
Theorem |
a statement or proposition that is regarded as being established, accepted or self-evidently true. In mathematics, a theorem is a statement that can be proven or deduced logically, using a set of accepted assumptions or axioms. |
Misesian |
refers to the economic and social philosophy espoused by the Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises, and his followers in the Austrian School of Economics. The approach emphasizes the subjective nature of human values and the importance of property rights and laissez-faire capitalism as the basis for a fully-functioning market economy. |
Economics |
the branch of knowledge concerned with the production, consumption and transfer of wealth, and how scarce resources are allocated among competing ends. Economics encompasses microeconomics, which deals with the behavior of individuals and firms, and macroeconomics, which deals with aggregates like national income and output, inflation, and unemployment. |
Relationships |
the way in which two or more people or things are connected, or the state of being connected. In economic analysis, relationships refer to the links between various economic variables, such as supply and demand, price and quantity, or income and consumption. |
Economic Calculation Problem |
an argument against socialism first put forward by Ludwig von Mises in the early 20th century. The argument contends that socialism, which lacks a functioning price system, would not be able to allocate resources efficiently, and would inevitably lead to economic chaos and inefficiency. |
Austrian School |
a school of economic thought that emphasizes the role of entrepreneurship and market forces in the economy, and is critical of central planning and government interventionism. It is generally associated with economists like Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek, and has had a significant influence on libertarian and conservative political movements. |
Capitalism |
an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production, competition, and the pursuit of profit. In capitalism, prices are determined by market forces like supply and demand, and resources are allocated based on the preferences of individual consumers and producers. |
Laissez-faire |
a French term meaning “let do” or “let it be”, used to describe an economic system in which the government does not intervene in the market, and prices and production are determined by individual businesses and consumers. The term is often associated with the classical liberal economists of the 18th and 19th centuries, such as Adam Smith and Jean-Baptiste Say. |
Praxeology |
the study of human action and behavior, especially in a social context. The term is most commonly associated with the Austrian School of Economics, and with its founder, Ludwig von Mises. Praxeology seeks to identify the underlying causes of human action and to explain the patterns of human behavior that emerge in market contexts. |
Subjectivism |
a philosophical view that holds that all knowledge is subjective, and that there are no objective, universally-valid standards for truth or morality. In economics, subjectivism emphasizes the importance of subjective value and individual preferences in determining economic outcomes. |
Value |
the worth or usefulness of something, as judged by economic agents. In economics, value is subjective and varies from person to person, depending on individual preferences and circumstances. Value can be expressed in monetary terms, as when we say that a car is worth $10,000, or in non-monetary terms, as when we say that a painting is of great artistic value. |
Means of Production |
the resources used in the process of producing goods and services. They include land, labor, capital goods, and entrepreneurship. In classical economics, ownership of the means of production is a key factor in determining economic power and class relations. |
Freedom |
the state of being free from constraints, limitations, or coercion. Freedom is often associated with political and economic liberty, and with the absence of government intrusion or oppression. Libertarian and classical liberal theorists emphasize the importance of individual freedom as a foundational concept in society. |
Liberty |
another term for freedom, usually referring to the freedom to act according to one’s own will or choice, without interference from others. Liberty is often associated with social and economic freedom, and with the principles of limited government and property rights. |
Socialism |
an economic system in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state or by a collective community. Socialism generally involves the redistribution of wealth and resources from the rich to the poor, and is associated with the principles of cooperation, social justice, and equality. |
Entrepreneurship |
the process of creating, organizing, and managing a new business venture, in order to gain profit or other economic rewards. Entrepreneurship is considered a key driver of economic innovation and growth, and is often associated with risk-taking, innovation, and creativity. |
Market |
a place or mechanism for buyers and sellers to engage in exchange of goods and services. Markets can be physical locations, such as a supermarket or a stock exchange, or they can be virtual, such as an online shopping platform. Markets are characterized by the forces of supply and demand, which determine the price of goods and the quantity exchanged. |
Market Economy |
an economic system in which prices and production are determined by the forces of supply and demand, rather than by government intervention or regulation. Market economies are characterized by competition, innovation, and efficiency, and are often associated with capitalism and laissez-faire policies. |
Demand |
the willingness and ability of consumers to buy a product at a certain price, during a certain period of time. Demand is affected by a number of factors, including price, income, tastes and preferences, and the availability of substitute goods. |
Supply |
the amount of a good or service that producers are willing and able to offer for sale, at a given price and at a given time. Supply is influenced by factors such as production costs, technology, and government regulations. |