Post Capitalism Criticism: Tit for Tat and All That
May 27, 2014
I love it when a French intellectual and a British real journalist squabble. The dust up may not compare to a cage match in mixed martial arts, but the interaction is enjoyable. On one side, the now famous Thomas Piketty uses lots of data to suggest that 21st century capitalism concentrates wealth and makes life interesting for those unlucky enough to be in the new serfdom. On the other side is the tinted newspaper devoured by the money lovers unwilling to trust Murdoch owned business news.
I enjoyed “Thomas Piketty Accuses Financial Times of Dishonest Criticism.” Note that the Guardian in an open sourcey, Google watching, British newspaper competing with the Financial Times. The article reports:
The controversy blew up when the FT accused Piketty of errors in transcribing numbers, as well as cherry-picking data or not using original sources. The newspaper concluded there was little evidence in Piketty’s original sources to verify his theory that the richest were accumulating more wealth, widening the gap between the haves and the have-nots in Europe and the United States.
Now real journalists and MBAs do not—I repeat, do not—cherry pick numbers. The idea that the axiom of choice applies to real journalists and French intellectuals is incorrect. I have no doubt that objectivity in data analysis, critical decisions, and cross channel squabbling are exempt from selectivity.
I would point out that France has a number of data analysis outfits that embrace French break throughs in algorithmic methods. But the axiom of choice does not affect a “publishing sensation.” Similarly, the British can point to the professional interaction between Newton and Leibnitz or the fine treatment of Ramanujan as evidence of judicious, clear thinking.
I do not see any indication that either side has made any errors in reasoning. In fact, Stephen Toulmin would be thrilled of the Financial Times’s approach. In France, Alain Badiou is probably pleased as punch with Mr. Piketty’s approach.
Those who find the arguments lacking in impact also are exempt from the axiom of choice. Post capitalistic debates break new epistemological ground.
As the great American songster said in the Doggfather:
I hear ya Dogg
It’s a cold, cold thing!
It’s a cold thing!
For real, hmm!
Well said. Now run a query for inequality, axiom of choice, and Snoop Dogg. How is that objectivity working for you now when most queries funnel into one system?
Stephen E Arnold, May 27, 2014
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