Don’t make me no never mind.

One reason I like the saying, “Don’t make me no never mind,” is that it means the same as its inverse, “Makes me no never mind.” I think we can add to that category this pair: “All models are wrong, and some are useful,” and, “All models are right, and some are useful.” If some parameter is invariant, it really doesn’t matter what its absolute value is. At least, it does not matter to any analysis limited to the scope within which that parameter is invariant. In the case of models, it also isn’t really the point that the correctness parameter truly is invariant. If we act as though correctness is invariant, we can direct our attention down more fruitful avenues. For this purpose, as well, the via negativa or the via positiva will work equally. Choosing between them is just a matter of personal preference.

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