Durant wrote:
> > > Because they contain no solution to the
> > > problem of the basic capitalist mechanism
> > > of production
> >
> > In a period of convulsive intragenerational sociotechnical change it seems
> > counter-productive to think in terms of _a_ solution. In a maelstrom one tries to
> > get a handle on the pattern of events, perceive the window of opportunity and go
> > with it. Then start looking for the next. A mind-set devoted to implementing a
> > final solution is ominously reminiscent of certain WW2 German policies.
> >
>
> "The pattern of events" is the dependent variable. You have to
> pinpoint the base for the reason of change, before the "pattern of
> events" happen to go the wrong way. Who was talking about any final
> solution? I find such a strawman a tad offensive.
>
>
>
> "The pattern of events" is the dependent variable.
Now you are using the terminology of inferential statistics.
> You have to
> pinpoint the base for the reason of change,
Presumably by "base" you mean the independent variables. If so, then I
don't understand
"independent variables for the reason of change". What I could
understand is: what are
the independent variables influencing the pattern of events? And that
I've answered in
various previous posts. But, in any event, one can only state that a
relationship exists
in probabilistic terms.
> before the "pattern of
> events" happen to go the wrong way.
To rephrase: one has to identify the independent variables before the
dependent variable
goes the "wrong way". You seem to see this as a quality control problem,
i.e. ensure
that the dependent variable stays within certain limits. While there may
be some insight
to be gained by adopting that metaphor, it is not one that I intended. I
guess all I was
saying was: Find a need, and fill it! (the entrepreneurial maxim updated
to reflect a
more complex environment).
> Who was talking about any final
> solution? I find such a strawman a tad offensive.
And, believe me, I was sensitive to the implication of the term;
however, your uncompromising views do give the impression that you can
see only one solution, and that
that solution is the final one. But, even so, I do apologize for giving
in to my baser
instincts.
--
http://publish.uwo.ca/~mcdaniel/
