Thursday, February 23, 2017

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Religion and Science (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)

Religion and Science (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)

The Death of Expertise | The War Room

The Death of Expertise | The War Room
thanks to Paul Evans
So here’s a good set of rules of thumb when arguing with an expert:
1.The expert isn’t always right.
2. But an expert is far more likely to be right than you are.
3. Your political opinions have value in terms of what you want to see happen, how you view justice and right. Your political analysis as a layman has far less value, and probably isn’t — indeed, almost certainly isn’t — as good as you think it is.
4. On a question of factual interpretation or evaluation, the expert’s view is likely to be better-informed than yours. At that point, you’re best served by listening, not carping and arguing.
And how do I know all this? Just who do I think I am?
Well, of course: I’m an expert.
Tom Nichols 

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Greece : 2017 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Greece

Greece : 2017 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Greece
... Greece does not require further fiscal consolidation at this time beyond what is currently underway...  fiscally-neutral reforms that broaden the personal income tax base and rationalize pension spending to allow the public sector to provide adequate services and social assistance to vulnerable groups, while creating the conditions for investment and more inclusive growth.... labor, product and service market reforms are needed to enhance competition and support growth...
See also Ex-Post Evaluation of Exceptional Access Under the 2012 Extended Arrangement

and Charles Wyplosz | " When the IMF evaluates the IMF"