Military analysts gauge capability by measurable inputs despite tenuous links to outcomes

Evidence

Of course it must always be borne in mind that a recourse to the theory of fixed proportions has only a schematic and metaphoric value. In other words, it cannot be applied mechanically, since in human collectivities the qualitative element (or that of the technical and intellectual capacity of the individual components) is predominant, and this cannot be measured mathematically. Hence one may say that every human collectivity has its own specific optimum principle of fixed proportions. — Antonio Gramsci, Selections from the Prison Notebooks, 781 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Analysts substitute the measurable question of relative strength for the relevant one of sufficiency; Decision makers favor easily quantified inputs over quality when comparing military strength; Military analysts substitute tractable balance-of-numbers questions for harder sufficiency questions — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2591 (+9 more)

Broader Connections

• Decision makers favor easily quantified inputs over quality when comparing military strength #corroborates (0.92)
• Human collectivities resist mechanical proportional analysis because qualitative capacities dominate #complicates (0.84) — Antonio Gramsci, Selections from the Prison Notebooks, 781
• Military adequacy depends on mission fit, not on comparative force strength #complicates (0.78)