Paul Romer feels misunderstood

After an initial misunderstanding of his definition of mathiness, I think passed Romer's reading comprehension quiz. Romer answers "False" to each of these questions ...

1. T/F: Romer thinks that economists should not try to use the mathematics of Debreu/Bourbaki and should instead use math in the less formal way that physicists and engineers use it.

I think this (and Mark Buchanan approving thinks Romer would answer true), but Romer answers false.

2. T/F: Romer thinks that abstract mathematical models that could turn out to be of no use in understanding data and evidence are examples of mathiness.

This captures my initial misunderstanding (I linked the original, and here is the corrective from the next day). Overall, Romer should have left off the word empirical when he said: "Like mathematical theory, mathiness uses a mixture of words and symbols, but instead of making tight links, it leaves ample room for slippage between statements in natural versus formal language and between statements with theoretical as opposed to empirical content." (I crossed out the offending clause -- Romer's idea of mathiness is completely independent of data, so I'm not sure why he mentioned it.)

3. T/F: Romer thinks that errors in mathematical arguments are examples of mathiness.

As I said, it's lack of rigor (or "tight links" as Romer phrases it). A lack of rigor can be associated with errors, but are not identical to them.

4. T/F: Romer says that the economists he has accused of mathiness are using it to promote a right-wing political agenda designed to influence national politics.

The academic politics seems to line up with national politics, but as I mention here (in the PS) it's mostly about tribes of graduate students revolving around big names.

5. T/F: Romer thinks that economists should use less math.

I personally think economics should use less formal math, but I never attributed this to Romer.

6. T/F: Romer is angry.

I think the emotional states I attributed to Romer were being "upset", "zeal" and being "weird". I insinuated Lucas and Moll might be a bit annoyed with Romer.