Having economists do the cost-benefit analysis of technology development is like having a physicist who studies vibrations as a concert pianist. Having a really

Having economists do the cost-benefit analysis of technology development is like having a physicist who studies vibrations as a concert pianist. Having a really good understanding of the theory behind cost-benefit analysis does not in any ways inform you about the actual costs or benefits of a specific decision. Literally every decision ever involves the allocation of finite resources, that does not mean that economists are qualified to triage patients at hospitals, optimize the design of bridges, or negotiate plea deals for criminal defendants. The climate is another example of an incredibly complicated system where decision makers must have detailed understanding of the actual costs and benefits they are evaluating.