What do numbers measure? A new approach to fundamental measurement (Q1196209)

The author discusses an abstract concept of a procedure of measurement, employing elementary model-theoretic notions. Measurement is essential in modern empirical sciences, firstly from the practical viewpoint of assigning numerals to objects, and, secondly, as theoretical concepts of ``absolutely precise measurement'', i.e., as representational assignments of real numbers to objects. The paper focuses on the classical deterministic measurement as based on elementary notions of mathematical logic (model theory). In this connection, mention is made of \textit{D. Krantz} et al.'s book, Foundations of measurement. Vol. I (1971; Zbl 0232.02040), Vol. II (1989; Zbl 0719.03003), as presenting the standard theory of measurement. The basic concepts of the standard representational theory of measurement (some historical notes also included), along with the shortcomings of the approach are discussed. An important idea is that underlying the necessary, subtle interplay between the theoretical and practical aspects related to ``measurement''.