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Beyond the metrological viewpoint.

Jean Baccelli1

  • 1Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy, Ludwigstrasse 31, 80539, Munich, Germany.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science
|May 9, 2020
PubMed
Summary

The representational theory of measurement (RTM) is often criticized for not describing scientific procedures. However, this critique is largely irrelevant, as RTM’s core focus is not procedure description but the nature of measurement itself.

Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Science
  • Metrology
  • Philosophy of Measurement

Background:

  • The representational theory of measurement (RTM) has historically dominated the philosophy of measurement.
  • Recent critiques argue RTM inadequately describes actual scientific measurement procedures, termed the 'metrological critique'.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge the relevance of the metrological critique of RTM.
  • To re-evaluate the scope and aims of the representational theory of measurement.
  • To explore broader philosophical questions in measurement beyond procedural descriptions.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the representational theory of measurement (RTM).
  • Examination of limit cases in measurement theory.
  • Philosophical argumentation regarding the goals of RTM.

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Main Results:

  • The metrological critique of RTM is partly irrelevant because RTM's primary goal is not to describe measurement procedures.
  • RTM investigates measurement in ways that do not necessitate detailing specific procedures.
  • Limit cases of RTM highlight its broader philosophical inquiries.

Conclusions:

  • The representational theory of measurement (RTM) project is better understood by acknowledging its non-procedural focus.
  • Philosophy of measurement can advance by considering questions beyond the metrological viewpoint.
  • RTM's value lies in its conceptual analysis of measurement, not its procedural depiction.