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Mcnamara Fallacy

nounverified·updated May 18, 2026

presum[ing] that (A) quantitative models of reality are always more accurate than other models; (B) the quantitative measurements that can be made most easily must be the most relevant; and (C) factors other than those currently being used in quantitative metrics must either not exist or not have a significant influence on success. Also known as the quantitative fallacy.

Framework senses

The McNamara Fallacy1 senseview framework →
§1
presum[ing] that (A) quantitative models of reality are always more accurate than other models; (B) the quantitative measurements that can be made most easily must be the most relevant; and (C) factors other than those currently being used in quantitative metrics must either not exist or not have a significant influence on success. Also known as the quantitative fallacy.