Date of Award

4-1981

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Political Science

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This thesis examines the political philosophy and impact of an important group of European economists known as the Austrian School. This group includes such notables as Eugen Von Boehra-Bawerk, Ludwig Von Mises, and Friederich Havek.

The thesis first seeks to identify the role of the Austrian School within the liberal tradition, chiefly as a "conservative force" seeking -to defend the liberal tradition of Locke and Smith.

Secondly, the thesis seeks to examine the Impact of the Austrian School on American politics, specifically upon the growth of the American right. The thesis focuses on the impact of the Austrian School upon the libertarian element of the right as exemplified by Robert Nozick- Murray Rothbard, and Ayn Rand.

The thesis concludes by examining the tension within the liberal tradition resulting from a differing emphasis on and interpretation of the concepts of liberty and equality.

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