# Lets discuss Bayesian Statistics **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 17, 2012, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-discuss-bayesian-statistics/619051 "2012-04-17T15:39:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 6
**Author:** ![Evil\_Economist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c89c15/32.png) [@Evil\_Economist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Economist)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2012, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-discuss-bayesian-statistics/619051/6 "2012-04-17T16:39:04Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Um… that’s all I was ever saying: > > > [@](#): > > > > Precisely correct. > > > > If anyone can find a single post in which I suggest that the CAUSE of the trustworthiness or otherwise is race, please trot it out. You can’t, because I never said such a thing, and I never would. > > > > IF all other things were equal, such that the ONLY observable factor differentiating the two were race - which means that we eliminated all hidden codependent variables as causes - THEN, and ONLY THEN, could we say that there is some probative value to it, slight though it might be. > > > > “All other things being equal.” > > Is that a correct statement, or not? As written it’s correct (provided that God parted the heavens, leaned down, and whispered “8%” in your ear); if this is as far as you went in that thread, then it was a mistake to link back to your postings (maybe it was \*\*Huerta88 \*\*who was saying wrong things?). But–and I don’t mean this to sound rude–a big part of the reason you’re right is that you haven’t actually said anything. Yes, if you know nothing at all, then you can apply population statistics to the general population. You will never know nothing at all, so this is an empty statement. It’s the equivalent of me (as a non-lawyer) saying “things that are illegal are against the law.” Great as far as it goes, but probably not necessary to say, and missing the point in a discussion of whether a particular activity is illegal. --- _[View the full topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-discuss-bayesian-statistics/619051)._