  Motivated by a recent series of diametrically opposed articles on the
relative value of statistical methods for the analysis of path diagrams in the
social sciences, we discuss from a primarily theoretical perspective selected
fundamental aspects of path modeling and analysis based on a common re
reflexive setting. Since there is a paucity of technical support evident in the
debate, our aim is to connect it to mainline statistics literature and to
address selected foundational issues that may help move the discourse. We do
not intend to advocate for or against a particular method or analysis
philosophy.
