Choice: Getting Started with Reading Apodictic Treatises

Among modern students and enthusiasts of Austrian economics, Robert P. Murphy’s "Choice: Cooperation, Enterprise, and Human Action" (2015) is favored as the starting point when beginning one's study of Mises' "Human Action" and Rothbard's "Man, Economy, and State".

From the Amazon description, "Unlike what usually passes for economics in many classrooms, government, the media and elsewhere, Choice is an engaging and intriguing book that provides something quite unique: a genuine treatise on economics that instructs and entertains both economists and general readers." [emphasis added]

"Choice" is a standalone, accessible introduction to the core praxeological framework of Austrian economics. It distills Mises’s "Human Action" - which Rothbard’s reasoning in "Man, Economy, and State" builds upon - into a concise, modern format that is about one-third the length while preserving logical rigor and emphasizing key concepts like human action, valuation, exchange, and market processes.

Reviews recommend it for beginners with its: clear explanations, contemporary language, and focus on analytical essentials - without requiring prior deep dives into the original lengthy treatises.

Related, Murphy's "Study Guide to Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market" (2006) is regarded as an excellent companion for those of you that are already committed to tackling Mises' 900+ page work and Rothbard’s full 1,400+ page treatise.

"Study Guide" offers chapter summaries, technical notes, and questions to navigate the detailed comparisons and deductions. However, it assumes you’re reading (or planning to read) the primary texts, making it less ideal as a first standalone book.

If your goal is to grasp Mises' and Rothbard’s intent efficiently before (or instead of) diving into the originals, we recommend that you start with "Choice". Then use the study guide later when proceeding into the complete "Human Action" and "Man, Economy, and State".