Venn diagrams for our times: economic objectivity

Posted on July 21 2014

Screen Shot 2014-07-21 at 09.12.53

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14 Responses

  1. Simon says:
    July 21 2014 at 9:54 am

    There is one objective fact as stated by Michael Rowbotham (from: ‘The Grip of Death’):

    ‘That we are slaves is a matter of fact, not an opinion, whether we choose to do anything about it is a matter of choice.’

  2. Ironman says:
    July 21 2014 at 4:28 pm

    After collating all that data, into which set do you think Thomas Picketty would place himself?

  3. Ironman says:
    July 21 2014 at 5:32 pm

    Then what exactly is the point of your diagram then?

  4. Ironman says:
    July 21 2014 at 6:50 pm

    OK. I’m commenting on this post. Which set do you think Thomas Picketty would place himself in? Would you regard his conclusions, derived from his massive data collation exercise, as objective?

  5. Ironman says:
    July 21 2014 at 10:21 pm

    So; g>r; not objective evidence-based conclusion? Subjective opinion?

    I’m also intrigued by your condemnation of Chris Giles’ critique of Picketty: “He’s not objective”. How is that a problem to you?

    • Richard Murphy says:
      July 21 2014 at 10:28 pm

      The fast observation is absurd: I have made it clear no economic conclusion is objective. They can’t be: you have to choose the hypothesis to test.

      The second is wholly consistent with the first. My criticism was he failed to disclose his lack of objectivity.

  6. Ironman says:
    July 21 2014 at 11:11 pm

    No, your criticism was “He is not objective”; pure and simple.
    Of course Picketty is objective; every suggestion to the contrary is absurd. I am not surprised that your followers are not writing in support here.

    I am amused though that you acknowledge your claims regarding austerity leading to a shrinking economy are pure subjective opinion. Your predisposition being the most important variable.

    • Richard Murphy says:
      July 22 2014 at 9:03 am

      All interpretation of data is subjective

      To claim otherwise is absurd

      The clue is in the word ‘interpretation. We all bring our predisposition. That predisposition is not objective if right wing and subjective if left. Such claims are simple misrepresentations of the truth. Anyone with any sense can see that

      I would remind you of the comments policy

    • nick james says:
      July 22 2014 at 12:08 pm

      Just so you know, Ironman, I support Richard’s position and believe this may be the most perceptive Venn diagram he’s produced so far. What I can’t support is the endless semantic prattle peddled by you and others with similar opinions….or the fact that none of you has the courtesy, or is it balls, to tell us who you really are.