A New Interpretation of the Representational Theory of Measurement. Issue 5 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heilmann, Conrad
• Is Part Of: Philosophy of science. Volume 82:Issue 5(2015)
• Page Start: 787
• Page End: 797
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy; Science; Science -- Philosophy; Philosophie des sciences; Epistemology; Periodicals; 501
• DOI: 10.1086/683280
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1539-767X

Abstract

Abstract : On the received view, the Representational Theory of Measurement reduces measurement to the numerical representation of empirical relations. This account of measurement has been widely criticized. In this article, I provide a new interpretation of the Representational Theory of Measurement that sidesteps these debates. I propose to view the Representational Theory of Measurement as a library of theorems that investigate the numerical representability of qualitative relations. Such theorems are useful tools for concept formation that, in turn, is one crucial aspect of measurement for a broad range of cases in linguistics, rational choice, metaphysics, and the social sciences.