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not always. For example, neoclassical economics assumes people are rational and utility maximizers. You can stop right there. It's bullshit.

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The most despicable thing about bad theory is that to really know if it's bad, you first have to study it thoroughly. Ick.

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It helps if you know the theoretical underpinnings are BS, yes! But then, you have to study those to know that more often than not. Infuriating.

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Economics, at least when I was taught it, was very upfront about it's moronic assumptions. Like first class upfront.

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but most people don't have the intellectual bravery or confidence to call BS when authorities figures are spewing nonsense.

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Yes, part of the problem is that a lot of people see this and take it for granted. You or I may not, but the majority of the rationalist community is knee-deep in muck like that.

11:00 PM · Aug 11, 2019Twitter Web App

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So the assumptions are easy to test, but their flimsiness is no guarantee that they'll be found wanting by the student. We must divest of smugness, and be ready to break some heads instead.

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tried that for 20 years. Didn't work.

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