Sorry to be a bit trite but the irrefutable rationality premises that underlie mathematical rationalist economics are philosophically identical to the inferiority schema. Sometimes I even get the a priori predictions right. I think the whole neo-classical rationalist economic model is part of the problem John. I don't believe it can provide the social and environmental solutions we need. And I know there are other economists questioning the rational economic man, linear machine, marginal utility and equilibrium model.
Ecology is the science that is showing the possible alternatives.
I know you are not of the extremes, and it is a bit unfair for me to get stuck in like this. I have just come back from putting the family cat down at the vets. My daughter is not going to be happy.