Incomparable Values: Analysis, Axiomatics and Applications

Values are often partially ordered and incomparable, according to this book. John Nolt examines the variety of partially ordered value structures and exposes fallacies that arise from overlooking them. He shows how incomparability can enrich and clarify topics such as the paradoxes of Derek Parfit, rational decision theory, and the infinite values of theology. He also argues for the finitude of value.

Format: Hardback
Length: 458 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

People often tend to rank values of all kinds in a linear manner, from good to bad, without questioning the reasonableness or correctness of this approach. However, this book challenges that notion by arguing that values are often partially ordered, making them frequently incomparable.
John Nolt, in his book, takes a logical approach, starting with a small set of axioms, to examine the diverse range of partially ordered value structures. He exposes fallacies that arise from neglecting these structures and reveals various ways in which incomparability is obscured. These include using linear indices to summarize partially ordered data, relying on an inadequately defined concept of parity, or conflating incomparability with vagueness.
Incomparability holds significance across various fields, including the paradoxes of Derek Parfit, rational decision theory, and the infinite values of theology. Nolt demonstrates how it can enrich and clarify these topics. He also generalizes many of the concepts introduced earlier, delves into the intricate depths of certain noteworthy partially ordered value structures, and argues for the finitude of value.
This book will appeal to scholars and advanced students engaged in ethics, value theory, rational decision theory, and logic. It offers a fresh perspective on the nature of values and provides valuable insights into the complexities of comparing and evaluating them.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367563684