Theory of Scales

Abstract

A theory of scales can be understood either as a specific variant of the theory of extraphysical measurement, oriented especially to the problems of scaling and scaling procedures, or as a relatively independent component of a general theory of measurement. The second alternative is to be preferred to the first one; this follows from our analysis of the concept of a scale with respect to the concepts of measurement and magnitude, as well as from our exposition of the theory of measurement. Yet even in this case we cannot avoid mentioning some problems which have been outlined in connection with the acceptance of the first alternative. Obviously, we shall not repeat what has already been said in the same or only a slightly modified form; nevertheless, it will not be without interest for the confrontation of different doctrines to point out some mutual connections.