Richard, as an economist, I agree there are qualitative points that can be made within the practice. However, all qualitative points are derivative of quantitative activities.
For example, the current prosperity in the US has led to a decline in church attendance. Are we to assume that spirituality is in some way related to material wealth? I'd say that there is a moderate amount, but not enough to claim full correlation. There are tests that can be run, using statistical samples to determine the level of correlation. Oftentimes, the correlative factor is low, but is there. Journalists are quick to seize on that and claim true correlation. This, of course, is abuse of statistics. But journalists aren't known for their intelligence, are they?
More likely, the current downtrend in attendance is simply an increase in a trend that began years ago. While material wealth obviously plays some role in the process, it isn't the clear cause of it. Therefore, the qualitative argument is off base by a long shot.
Again, I'm not arguing that there isn't a qualitative view, but it is one that is only evident via the use of quantitative measures. If, as is often the case, these measures are abused, people claim economists are flawed. In fact, those reporting on it are flawed.
I remember in the 70's Carl Sagan was claiming that a "new ice age" was soon to begin. By the 80's, he was a proponent of global warming. It seems even scientists aren't true to themselves, and will support whatever cause will derive the best press........ |
