"Game theory, and related studies such as economic behavorial choice theory posit “rational actors”, logic models and linear controlled inputs and outputs that simplify reality and attempt to predict behaviors and outcomes in complex interrelations and systems. The theories that result are riddled with paradoxes and cannot model for seemingly rational or irrational behavior because there is no useful definition of rationality that works outside of simplistic logic games"
Wouldn't this be a-prori true due to Godel's incompleteness theorem which basically posits any logically consistent system contains at least one not rationally provable assumption that is the basis from which all the rest of the rational corollaries are entailed?
I'd say it's related for sure. Economists ignore this all the time with the hand-wavy word "externalities". The joke is economists say "assume a wrench" as if whatever is missing from their "logical" system can be conjured out of nothing.
In pure game theory Godel's incompleteness theorem should be smacking us in the face constantly.
Yes Shakespeare said a lot when he said, "there is more in heaven and Earth than are dreamed of in you philosophy Horatio." Horatio was the original midwit models over reality guy. And was mercilessly mocked in that Dylan song about Mr. Jones. The poets always got this, Walt Whitmen and Bukowski couldn't stand midwit nerds.
Your story about Simplot is great :). He sounds quite the character -- like something out of a William Faulkner novel. When I first read the name Simplot it rang a bell somewhere -- yeah I looked it up -- I've definitely heard of the JR Simplot Co. And of course he lived to 99. You should write up some of the stories about him and growing up in Idaho. I bet they would be fascinating and fun, especially for a city kid like me.
Ceteris Paribus indeed. Had to look it up tbh, since my Latin is basically non-existent, but that seems to be the go-to for all this stuff. The obvious rejoinder being "yes, but can we say all things are equal, or even define the parameters of 'all things'?" To which the invariable answer is furious hand-waving - like a religious gesture that casts off evil spirits.
Good story, along with insight. I think most of us Americans prefer to be left alone, to our selves, but at heart, we are sore loser above all else, in spite of whatever religious or moral up bringing we have had. Being sore losers can, and often does, turn some of us into cheaters; especially the incumbent, greedy, power-hungry mob who would prefer to control the rest of us who want to be left alone.
"Game theory, and related studies such as economic behavorial choice theory posit “rational actors”, logic models and linear controlled inputs and outputs that simplify reality and attempt to predict behaviors and outcomes in complex interrelations and systems. The theories that result are riddled with paradoxes and cannot model for seemingly rational or irrational behavior because there is no useful definition of rationality that works outside of simplistic logic games"
Wouldn't this be a-prori true due to Godel's incompleteness theorem which basically posits any logically consistent system contains at least one not rationally provable assumption that is the basis from which all the rest of the rational corollaries are entailed?
I'd say it's related for sure. Economists ignore this all the time with the hand-wavy word "externalities". The joke is economists say "assume a wrench" as if whatever is missing from their "logical" system can be conjured out of nothing.
In pure game theory Godel's incompleteness theorem should be smacking us in the face constantly.
Yes Shakespeare said a lot when he said, "there is more in heaven and Earth than are dreamed of in you philosophy Horatio." Horatio was the original midwit models over reality guy. And was mercilessly mocked in that Dylan song about Mr. Jones. The poets always got this, Walt Whitmen and Bukowski couldn't stand midwit nerds.
Only 3 comments on this article, That;s criminal. All my readers should read this and weigh in and give this article the discussion it deserves.
My pleasure.
Your story about Simplot is great :). He sounds quite the character -- like something out of a William Faulkner novel. When I first read the name Simplot it rang a bell somewhere -- yeah I looked it up -- I've definitely heard of the JR Simplot Co. And of course he lived to 99. You should write up some of the stories about him and growing up in Idaho. I bet they would be fascinating and fun, especially for a city kid like me.
Ceteris Paribus indeed. Had to look it up tbh, since my Latin is basically non-existent, but that seems to be the go-to for all this stuff. The obvious rejoinder being "yes, but can we say all things are equal, or even define the parameters of 'all things'?" To which the invariable answer is furious hand-waving - like a religious gesture that casts off evil spirits.
Good story, along with insight. I think most of us Americans prefer to be left alone, to our selves, but at heart, we are sore loser above all else, in spite of whatever religious or moral up bringing we have had. Being sore losers can, and often does, turn some of us into cheaters; especially the incumbent, greedy, power-hungry mob who would prefer to control the rest of us who want to be left alone.