It's not exactly what one would call work.

It's more of an attempt to justify action in one particular direction. Usually preconceived, with after the fact rationalizations.

Economics is kind of an abstract subject. Economists just try to figure it out, because it's so broad. They apply the standard laws of Economics to real life, and usually it works out, but once in a while, they send a boomerang our way... like at the moment. :)

Is this a trick question?

A poor one.....so far.