Conversation

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

Quote Tweet

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

Show this thread

1

3

9

Replying to

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.

1

Replying to

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

1

1

Replying to

and

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

2

2

Replying to

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.

1

Replying to

and

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.

11:05 PM · Aug 11, 2019Twitter Web App

Replying to

tried that for 20 years. Didn't work.

1

1

Replying to

I said crack heads, not spoon-feed wisdom.

1

Show replies