I recall a discussion I had with a fellow econ student on the effects of higher taxes. He said, “Higher taxes are inefficient; should I draw the graph.” (Unfortunately the topic changed before I could dissect this for him.)
This (rather common) view reflects two major problems with modeling (particularly in economics): an amoral value (economic efficiency) becomes a normative value because it’s relatively easy to understand and (in theory) measure, and, more relevant as an example for this post, the model is seen as demonstrating reality, and not vice versa. The model thus becomes a complete way of looking at the world, as it is both normative and the world is supposed to conform to it.
I think a lot of scientists see theory as the highest good: reality is defective insofar as it fails to conform to an elegant theory, rather than the other way around. When expressed this way, it’s obviously a foolish idea, but it’s an insidious one nonetheless. “I’d be right if it weren’t for all those confounding variables!” may be true, but you’re still wrong.
I recall a discussion I had with a fellow econ student on the effects of higher taxes. He said, “Higher taxes are inefficient; should I draw the graph.” (Unfortunately the topic changed before I could dissect this for him.)
This (rather common) view reflects two major problems with modeling (particularly in economics): an amoral value (economic efficiency) becomes a normative value because it’s relatively easy to understand and (in theory) measure, and, more relevant as an example for this post, the model is seen as demonstrating reality, and not vice versa. The model thus becomes a complete way of looking at the world, as it is both normative and the world is supposed to conform to it.
I think a lot of scientists see theory as the highest good: reality is defective insofar as it fails to conform to an elegant theory, rather than the other way around. When expressed this way, it’s obviously a foolish idea, but it’s an insidious one nonetheless. “I’d be right if it weren’t for all those confounding variables!” may be true, but you’re still wrong.