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Not sure if that quotation inspires much confidence. Economics has math behind it. Subjects like Sociology have none of the rigor of math and are thus a large w
by throwaway7645 9y ago
Not sure if that quotation inspires much confidence. Economics has math behind it. Subjects like Sociology have none of the rigor of math and are thus a large waste of time.
- jbooth 9y agoThe takeaway is that the math used in econ obscures the truth while lending a fake gravitas to pure opinion. At least sociology is honest that they're going pure opinion.
- crdoconnor 9y agoThe math is a red herring. It's the buried assumptions that underpin the math which is where the real bullshit usually lies.
- lottin 9y agoExactly. The answer is not less mathematics, but more empirical work.
- olavk 9y agoThis is exactly the fallacy he is addressing. Math = rigor, so clearly the discipline which uses the most math is the most rigorous, right? But actually math is only useful when it is based on a useful model of reality. If the underlying assumptions are unfounded or faulty, then math does not help you at all.
- p4bl0 9y agoDo you imply that philosophy and sociology as disciplines are not rigorous? This shows a very weak knowledge of those disciplines, and of maths-focused economics if you still believe that maths = rigor.
- throwaway7645 9y agoNot philosophy, but sociology yes.