>The fact that it doesn't make predictions any more reliably than astrology. yup. Physics: apply force F to projectile of mass M and know in advance where and

>The fact that it doesn't make predictions any more reliably than astrology. yup. Physics: apply force F to projectile of mass M and know in advance where and when it'll land modulo a tiny error margin. Economics: raise the interest rates by X%, wait unknown amount of time Y, observe state of the system after time Y, formulate complex theory as to why action led to "cause", go write a paper about it. Get wined and dined by policy makers who see great benefit in your "explanation". The phenomenon is not new BTW, oracle, druids and shamans have occupied that ecological niche for as long as there has been tribes and leaders needing to justify their actions to the masses. They just changed their names in the 20th century to sound more respectable.