Do Austrians Commit the Genetic Fallacy?

Internet Austrians may be committing a major fallacy.

Its fair to say Austrians enjoy pointing out flaws in mainstream economics. Unfortunately, among many non-professional Austrians, the enthusiast bunch (a.k.a internet Austrians) may be committing the genetic fallacy when critiquing mainstream economics.

The internet Austrian’s argument is something like:

Using math/empiricism in economics is incorrect.

Mainstream economists use math/empiricism in economics.

Therefore, mainstream economists are incorrect.

The internet Austrian is arguing that the use of math and/or empiricism is why the mainstream economist’s conclusion is false. But simply stating how a person got their conclusion isn’t enough to defeat it. This is known as the genetic fallacy.

The genetic fallacy, as a logical misstep, occurs when an argument or belief is dismissed solely on the basis of its origin, rather than being evaluated on its own merits. While it's true that the methods employed in economic analysis warrant scrutiny, dismissing conclusions solely due to their methodological underpinnings may not offer a robust critique or adequate defeater.

For example, Sarah is an American who believes Christianity is the one true religion. Asserting that Sarah's belief is wrong solely because she grew up in a predominantly Christian country would be fallacious. While she may indeed be influenced by the predominant Christian culture in America, and her belief could stem from societal norms, the truth of her statement should be evaluated independently of its origin. Because “Christianity is the one true religion” can be true despite how she came to that conclusion.

In some sense, the mainstream economists do continually get things wrong because of their methodology. Because using inappropriate means, typically result in undesired ends. Kind of like putting too much flour and not enough water in the pancake mix. But, it's important for internet Austrians to tread carefully in their critiques of mainstream economics While questioning established methodologies is a healthy part of intellectual discourse, it's imperative to avoid the pitfalls of the genetic fallacy. Instead of merely pointing out the methodological roots of mainstream economic theories, internet Austrians should endeavor to engage in rigorous analysis and construct compelling counterarguments to the conclusions.

Although there are situations where pointing to the origin is not a genetic fallacy; the warning to internet Austrians lies in the necessity of a more nuanced approach to critique. Rather than solely focusing on the origins of mainstream economic theories, they should strive to offer substantive criticisms backed by thorough research and reasoned analysis. By doing so, internet Austrians can elevate the quality of economic discourse and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing evolution of economic thought.