We live in the age of the anti-apriori; a complete rejection of any theory which exists independent of “the data.” This refusal to embrace or even consider the importance of theory advertises itself as a commitment to “evidence,” “hard-facts,” and independence from ideologies and biased interpretations. Any attempt to challenge the usefulness of “facts” independent of theory or interpretation is disregarded as extremist, ideological, and therefore rank kookery— worthy of dismissal without engagement.

http://austrolibertarian.com/economic-analysis-and-the-limits-of-empirical-data-and-model-driven-conclusions/