I struggle to see practical cases where it makes sense to spend significant time on WFMs. I would rather improve cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA).
I think that is a reasonable decision. I think WFMs are very useful for certain types of decisions, but not always. I use CEAs much more often. My claim is *not* that more people should be using WFMs. If anything, my post should be seen as a warning to those who do.
My claim is that people should take time to understand their tools and account for their weaknesses. Accounting for weaknesses should happen not just within the tool, but outside of it when making the final decision.
I think GiveWell is a good example of this. If CEAs made up 100% of their decision making process, their decisions would be heavily influenced by the weaknesses of CEAs as a method. However, GiveWell acknowledges these weaknesses and uses CEAs as a primary deciding factor, while also incorporating other factors as well.
My claim is that people should take time to understand their tools and account for their weaknesses. Accounting for weaknesses should happen not just within the tool, but outside of it when making the final decision.
I think GiveWell is a good example of this. If CEAs made up 100% of their decision making process, their decisions would be heavily influenced by the weaknesses of CEAs as a method. However, GiveWell acknowledges these weaknesses and uses CEAs as a primary deciding factor, while also incorporating other factors as well.
I think that is a reasonable decision. I think WFMs are very useful for certain types of decisions, but not always. I use CEAs much more often. My claim is *not* that more people should be using WFMs. If anything, my post should be seen as a warning to those who do.
My claim is that people should take time to understand their tools and account for their weaknesses. Accounting for weaknesses should happen not just within the tool, but outside of it when making the final decision.
I think GiveWell is a good example of this. If CEAs made up 100% of their decision making process, their decisions would be heavily influenced by the weaknesses of CEAs as a method. However, GiveWell acknowledges these weaknesses and uses CEAs as a primary deciding factor, while also incorporating other factors as well.
Agreed.