Text: “Science Doesn’t Care About Researcher’s Feelings. Economics Does.”
Assignment 1, Argument 1
One of the arguments presented in the article is that free-market economic analyses
are not entirely objective, as researchers’ moral values influence the results. The
article provides two sub-arguments to support this claim. The first is a study by
Anthony Randazzo and Jonathan Haidt, which shows that economists’ personal
viewpoints can predict the economic conclusions they are likely to draw. The second
sub-argument, also based on the research of Randazzo and Haidt, argues that
economists who share similar economic perspectives on the world also tend to share
moral values and worldviews.
Type of Argument
The arguments in the article can be classified as descriptive standpoint arguments.
Both sub-arguments are grounded in Randazzo and Haidt’s empirical research on
how the world actually functions. This makes them descriptive in nature.
Furthermore, their research directly addresses questions concerning the objectivity of
free-market economists. The conclusions derived from this research either
strengthen or weaken the standpoint in question, which categorizes them as
standpoint arguments.
Accuracy and Relevance
It is important to consider whether the arguments are accurate and relevant. Both
sub-arguments are based on Randazzo and Haidt’s research as their foundation.
Since both researchers have an academic background in economics and psychology,
their expertise lends credibility to the findings. As a result, the likelihood that the
research has been conducted in a reliable manner is fairly high.
Assessing the relevance of this research to the discussion is also crucial. As
mentioned earlier, the arguments derived from the research are standpoint
arguments. Because they directly support or challenge the standpoint, one can argue
that they are relevant to the debate on the objectivity of economic research.
Moreover, the two arguments are interconnected: the claim in the first sub-argument
that economists’ personal views can predict their economic conclusions forms the
basis for the claim made in the second sub-argument.
Reference
Bennett, S. (2024, May 20). Science doesn’t care about researcher’s feelings.
Economics does. Fair Observer. https://www.fairobserver.com/business/sciencedoesnt-care-about-researchers-feelings-economics-does/