Qualitative, Quantitative Predictions Aren’t Alike

I read “Futurists: The Economists of the Future?” (Times Board of Advisors, Aug. 17, by Judy B. Rosener), with great interest. But I do think her comparisons are of the apples-and-oranges variety.

The economic models she castigates are aimed at quantitative predictions-- e.g., what will the price of gasoline be in six months’ time? Futurists, however, are looking at qualitative developments--e.g., will future gasoline markets favor branded vs. unbranded product?

If decision makers--the users of analyses of the future--have decided that many quantitative forecasts are not terribly useful (as they have used them!), good.

However, economists are “futurists” with at least as good credentials--academic and otherwise--as those Ms. Rosener cites.

R.L. PROMBOIN

Westlake Village