And I think LessWrongers are more likely than average to disagree with the "foundations" of the Austrian approach, if not some of their conclusions and emphasis.
I agree, but deny that it matters very much (if by "foundations", you mean methodology). The methodology that economists claim to adhere to does not significantly constrain their actual practice of carrying out economic research. Whether an economist claims to be a Logical Positivist, Critical Rationalist, Bayesian etc... doesn't seem to matter very much in terms of their behavior while doing economics.
I agree, but deny that it matters very much (if by "foundations", you mean methodology).
It does in the case of the (some) austrians. They don't think economics can be empirical - it's purely a theoretical science for them. And with no math.
I would like to learn more about economics but I don't know where to start. Can lesswrong suggest specific areas of economics that are particularly useful for understanding and optimising the world? Specific suggestions such as reading lists and resources would also be much appreciated.