Date: Wed Nov 12 2008 - 06:44:39 EST
Alejandro,
Like the cartoons ... :)
What 'assumptions' and/or 'intentions' are systematically hidden in the work of (mathematical) economics?
Do you think it is possible to think systematically without 'assumptions', axioms, more generally, abstractions?
michael W
----- Original message -----
Sent: 2008/11/12 07:39:57
Subject: Re: [OPE] Maths and in the cartoons of Sidney Harris.
The cartoons of Sidney Harris capture very well some of the most powerful criticism to mathematical Economics. His cartoons are directed to maths, but usually a mainstream Economist comes to our mind.
See the cartoon gallery: http://www.sciencecartoonsplus.com/index.php
One his best cartoons (attached herewith) depicts an old mathematician in front of a blackboard that has a written mathematical formula, and he says to his female colleague:
“This formula is like the constitution. You can’t interpret it unless you know my intent.”
One of the virtues of non axiomatic theories is that you are forced to reveal hidden assumptions.
Regards,
A. Agafonow
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