Social Analysis and Modeling for Python

[Cameron Laird]

In article <mailman.4099.1096486857.5135.python-list at python.org>,
Bishara Gabriel  <bgabriel at cloudthunder.com> wrote:
>Marxian class analysis is particularly suited to this demonstration but 
>in our demonstration model we will operate from multiple theoretical 
>constructs, displaying the power of our method.  The intent is to show 
>how Python is well suited to social analysis and not the other way 
>around.  I hope this is clear.
>
>What particular realms are you referring to when you speak of adding value?
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>>I am sure Python can be a great tool, but why no citations re existing
>>"social models" that you mention? If you propose to "... show
>>how social models can be mentally approached in such a way that there
>>exists a one-to-one correlation between their theoretical model and the
>>Python equivalent," ISTM your proposal would sound more concrete if you
>>pointed to a specific "theoretical model" as your choice for a
>>how-to-do-it-with-Python demonstration.
>>
>>Also citations of related work, and why your project adds value (besides
>>advertising our favorite language ;-)
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"add value" is a fixed phrase in many engineering, business,
and academic (among other) circles.  When, for example, 
children combine sugar, ice, lemon juice, and water, in a
particular pleasing combination, and offer it for sale on a
wearying day, we recognize their achievement as creation of
"lemonade".  They do not merely transfer raw materials to 
their customers; they provide a product which transcends its
constituents.  We say they have "added value" to the base
commodities, rather than mechanically moving them through
space and/or time.

Analogously, I echo Bengt's challenge to you to make explicit
the value you intend to add:  what hope is there that your
project will be more than a mere formal manipulation of its
constituents--sociologic theory and Python technique?  Will
you accomplish anything--will you add value--beyond what
any attentive student given the instructions to apply Python
to sociology might do?

I don't know what
  Marxian class analysis is particularly suited
  to this demonstration but in our demonstration
  model we will operate from multiple theoretical
  constructs, displaying the power of our method. 
  The intent is to show how Python is well suited
  to social analysis and not the other way around.
means.  I recognize that it might fit several situations.  I
sincerely don't know which you intend.

I myself once had a strong theoretical, and even dialectical,
bent.  Through the years, I've nearly monotonically gravitated
toward the concrete.  I recommend it to you.  Demonstrate how
your theory or approach solves *one* specific problem.  With
that in hand, your readers will be much, MUCH readier to
apprehend the generalizations you appear to have in mind.