# Introduction (Vol. 2 No. 1) **URL:** **Published:** March 1, 1983 --- “Please note that we are suggesting neither that only Austrian economics generates useful tools, nor that only Austrian economics renders insight into economic processes.” In this issue of _The Humane Studies Review_ we begin a series of bibliographical essays on the Austrian School of Economics. We do so for the following reasons: First, we have been asked numerous times, by students and faculty alike, to offer more information about the Austrian School. Secondly, we feel that certain approaches and emphases developed by the Austrians over the past century have generated tools of analysis that render insights into the nature of social phenomena and of economic processes that one does not readily find apparent in the more orthodox approaches to the disciplines of economics. Please note that we are suggesting neither that only Austrian economics generates useful tools, nor that only Austrian economics renders insight into economic processes. The respective theoretical cores of classical and neo-classical economics have clearly offered to the world numerous important insights without which we could never begin to understand the world in which we live. What we are saying is that we think Austrian tradition has generated a unique set of analytical tools, which capture aspects of complex social phenomena that remain impenetrable to neo-classical techniques. We are also convinced that the Austrian tradition was sadly ignored from the early 1930s, when F. A. Hayek reigned at the London School of Economics, until its recent resurgence, starting in the mid-1970s when Hayek was awarded the Nobel Prize in economics. We hope that this series will in fact add to the lively interest in the Austrian School that has been recently exhibited throughout the world. We are pleased to present this series by Richard M. Ebeling of University College, Cork. We are sure that the reader will learn a great deal about this rich tradition of economic thought by following Mr. Ebeling’s suggestions. In the first volume, _HSR_ began three series of articles: “An Outline of the History of Libertarian Thought,” “The Basic Tenets of Real Liberalism,” and “An Introduction to the Literature of Natural Law and Natural Rights.” These will continue in future issues of the _Review_. We are extremely interested in hearing your thoughts on _HSR_. In what ways do you find it helpful? How could it be improved to better suit your research and study needs? We are particularly interested in hearing from those of you who are using _HSR_ for study groups on various college campuses in America and abroad.