normative

Greek Letters Add False Patina

Elaborate models with many variables, tables, graphs, and Greek letters carry a patina of scientific truth—especially to lay persons—and therefore more weight in debate than they deserve, even though the underlying assumptions may render the result vacuous.

normativepending

Speaker

Paul Pfleiderer

Evidence Quote

it does have the patina of scientific truth behind it, especially when it's looked at by lay persons. And it carries, therefore, more than what it should in the debate.

Source

Paul Pfleiderer on the Misuse of Economic ModelsEconTalk
Created: 6/13/2026, 12:27:00 AM

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