A structural interpretation of measurement and some related epistemological issues. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mari, Luca; Carbone, Paolo; Giordani, Alessandro; Petri, Dario
• Is Part Of: Studies in history and philosophy of science. Volume 65/66(2017)
• Page Start: 46
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Measurement -- Reliability of measurement -- Stereotypes of measurement -- Models in measurement -- Objectivity and intersubjectivity in measurement; Science -- History -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 509
• DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2017.08.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0039-3681

Abstract

Abstract: Measurement is widely applied because its results are assumed to be more reliable than opinions and guesses, but this reliability is sometimes justified in a stereotyped way. After a critical analysis of such stereotypes, a structural characterization of measurement is proposed, as partly empirical and partly theoretical process, by showing that it is in fact the structure of the process that guarantees the reliability of its results. On this basis the role and the structure of background knowledge in measurement and the justification of the conditions of object-relatedness ("objectivity") and subject-independence ("intersubjectivity") of measurement are specifically discussed. Highlights: Basic stereotypes of measurement are discussed and their limits highlighted. Measurement is structurally characterized as a theory-laden process. The role of background knowledge in measurement is analyzed. Measurement is interpreted in terms of objectivity and intersubjectivity.