Commentaries
May 07, 2009Commentaries is where Minnesota Public Radio welcomes your thoughtful opinion about current events and issues. Commentaries are like letters to the editor. To be considered for publication, your commentary should be issue-related, clearly written, and follow our Terms of Use. New insights into ongoing topics are especially welcome. Not all commentaries received are published. For topical interaction with others, visit the discussion groups.
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Economy is not a science
"Economy is a bull... science" I do take offense at the use of the word science in this sentence. Economy is no science at all. [MPR Midmorning: What are economists good for?]
Science requires that theories are matched to the available evidence and that the theory have some predictive power. Economy can not provide any of this. The best example was as one caller pointed out that the prediction of different economic institutions about the GDP converged to the group average but not to the real value. That's an abysmal performance and all you need to know about the field of economy.
Contrast this with real science, Physics for example (full disclosure, I am a physicist myself). The theories of Physics are evaluated in view of the available evidence and they do predict the future, at times with bind-boggling precision. Economy on the other hand seems to be a field full of ideologues and the best paid ones shout the loudest and get the most attention. I concede that the complexity of the world makes economic predictions very difficult but the members of the field should have the decency to admit that their 'predictions' should be taken with a grain of salt (to put it euphemistically).
One of your guests mentioned that there is a process in academia in place to weed out nonsensical ideas (conferences, peer-reviewed papers, etc). But I do have to wonder if this guest is aware of Philosophy of Science. The same could be said about the field of Art History and nobody would claim that Art historians are very reliable in predicting the future. The missing element here are the points I already mentioned what makes science a science: critical evaluation of available evidence & predictive power.
Dierk Bolten
Edina, Minn.
Carstarphen gets salary during budget crisis?
The Austin School district may not object to paying Meria Carstarphen. That is their business. [MPR News: St. Paul Schools superintendent starting work early in Austin]
The question of greater significance is whether her contract allows her to work work two jobs simultaneously? St. Paul Schools are facing huge budget cuts and Ms. Carstarphen is drawing a salary and receiving consulting fees in advance of her new job. She could be devoting her energies to helping St. Paul Schools with their budget crisis.
Where is the accountability? The school board should be taking action.
Marita Bujold
St. Paul, Minn.
Zamlen's loss deeply felt
What a sad senseless tragedy. The hearts of Iron Rangers are broken. What a huge loss to our community. [MPR News: Friends prepare to say goodbye to Zamlen]
This young man was destined to make a positive impact in our world. In his short time here on earth he did just that. It brings tears to my eyes to think of this loss of such a kind, caring, smart, respectful young man. Thank you to his family for speaking to the house at such a tragic time in their lives.
People out there... Please, please always use the Buddy System in our world. Take care of yourselves and your friends and family.
Jeanne Olson
Virginia, Minn.
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