The only problems with statistics and other forms of applied mathematics
is the fact that most people are ignorant of these fields and hence are
not able to spot the BS from the good research.
Steve
--- John Foster <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Professor Dr. Bissell mentioned that mathematics was an area where there
> is
> potential for "indoctrination". Indoctrination in mathematics is
> possible
> and there is an enormous potential within 'applied mathematical'
> disciplines
> such as 'financial math', 'statistics' and 'econometrics' to distort,
> construe and manipulate reality.
>
> Mathematical operations and functions and relations are fixed; these are
> the
> tools of syntax in mathematics. Relational operators such as equals,
> minus,
> etc., have fixed meanings; they render 'apodictic' certainty in
> conveying
> basic quantitative information regarding the meaning content of the
> symbols....[Cassirer].
>
> In the applied maths like statistics there is room for 'inferential'
> wisdom
> to be 'construed' from the data that lends itself to the relational and
> functional operators of math. The inferences as to causality are
> therefore
> subject to some 'opinion' whether it be qualified or professional. The
> use
> of statistical inferences is also subject to 'manipulation' or what some
> may
> call 'mandates' that are not 'inherent' in any of the 'conceptual'
> hypotheses that may be extracted from data.
>
> Data itself is 'meaningless' and one dimensional. Information is
> 'meaningful' in part, and is two dimensional, while knowledge is three
> dimensional {viz temporality and spatiality} and therefore ultimately
> 'valuable' and 'policy' laden.
>
> M. Ponty writing in the "Phenomenology of Perception" mentions that
> knowledge is a 'system of substitution' and therefore any of the orders
> preceeding the 'completion', or 'closing' of knowledge acquisition, are
> subject to change depending on the organ and instrument of perception,
> as
> well as the rules and premises that 'operate' in a threefold sense {viz
> relational, contact and meaning sense}.
>
> Mathematics can be used to 'lie' with statistics through the use of
> 'inferences as to causality' or it can be used to construct 'precise'
> objects {ie., both abstract, and concrete}.
>
> Mathematics can be used to 'indoctrinate' and 'manipulate' a subjects'
> sense
> of reality as it relates to the threefold senses {viz investments in
> equity
> funds}, but not for long; the presence of 'democractic' conventions like
> free speech, and exchange of ideas lends itself to the 'deconstruction'
> of
> any 'social constructions of reality' periodically. This exercise of
> deconstruction frequently lanquishes under the 'iron heal' of
> 'mercenaries'
> who 'believe' that they are following the footsteps of freedom etched
> into
> the sandstones of time.
>
> "The corporate vegetator divine.' [Goethe]
>
> Values and policy should be an integral part of all environmental
> education.
> The best policy is to ask the advocates of the various and ranging
> values to
> be the speakers themselves....for what they 'uphold' as value and policy
> demanding....
>
> "Who will be there to speak for the 'others' [Timaeus]....and the 'Other
> '?"
>
> chao
>
>
> john foster
=====
"In a nutshell, he [Steve] is 100% unadulterated evil. I do not believe in a 'Satan', but this man is as close to 'the real McCoy' as they come."
--Jamey Lee West
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