At 08:36 PM 7/22/01 +1200 K.Feete wrote:
>>> Of course there are limits; but unlike JDG, I don't
>>> think we should base each and every decision on just
>>> a cost-benefit analysis.
>>>
>>> I can't tell you exactly where I'd draw the line, but
>>> something like relocating entire city populations to
>>> save one species of bird from extinction would definitely
>>> be on the other side of that line.
>>
>>You just made a cost-benefit analysis. ;-)
>>
>>Granted, it was intuitive rather than written down and
>>calculated, but it's essentially the same thing.
>
>Eh, but one of JDG's arguements has always been "that's just an intuitive
>decision; you haven't done a *real* cost-benefit analysis. Do that or I'm
>not paying attention to you."
>
>Kat Feete
>Those are smear-quotes: he didn't actually say that in so many words. And
>yes, I *am* looking for trouble, why do you ask? <innocent stare>
Come again?
Not only have I never said that, but I don't think that you could ever find
something I wrote that is close to that.
Indeed, I was about to write almost exactly what Steve did - that Jeroen
has basically demonstrated that he always conducts cost-benefit analysis,
he just isn't always very formalized about it.
To me, this stands in stark contrast to the several posters who have
rejected cost-benefit analysis *in principle*, indeed, going so far as to
lament that some people are unwilling to engage in pro-environment actions
simply because "it might cost a little money." In fact, you yourself
previously lambasted me for saying that I would not support certain
environmental regulations that would have the effect of impovershing a
large number of people.
Thus, now that Jeroen (and apparently yourself as well) has accepted the
*principle* of cost-benefit analysis (as in the above example), I am
curious if he (and you) is still willing to argue that cost-benefit
analyses are not generally applicable.
JDG
__________________________________________________________
John D. Giorgis - [EMAIL PROTECTED] - ICQ #3527685
We are products of the same history, reaching from Jerusalem and
Athens to Warsaw and Washington. We share more than an alliance.
We share a civilization. - George W. Bush, Warsaw, 06/15/01
