Measurements, Numerals and Scales: Essays in Honour of Stephanie Solt

The book explores the semantics and pragmatics of measurement, scales, and numerical expressions, highlighting recent developments and their interfaces with other fields. It will be of interest to students and scholars in psychology, psycholinguistics, and artificial intelligence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 349 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realms of semantics and pragmatics, focusing specifically on the measurement, scales, and numerical expressions. It presents a collection of chapters that explore the latest advancements in measurement theory, delve into the profound meaning of numerical expressions, and examine the intricate relationship between measurement scales and entailment scales. The authors embark on fascinating explorations in formal and experimental semantics and pragmatics, while also engaging with other interdisciplinary fields such as philosophy of language and sociolinguistics. This book is a valuable resource for students and scholars alike, encompassing psychology, psycholinguistics, and artificial intelligence.

The chapters in this book explore various aspects of measurement, scales, and numerical expressions. They highlight recent developments in measurement theory, delve into the complexities of numerical expression meanings, and examine the relationship between measurement scales and entailment scales. The authors employ formal and experimental approaches to semantics and pragmatics, drawing from diverse fields such as philosophy of language and sociolinguistics.

The book is organized into several chapters, each addressing a distinct aspect of the topic. In the first chapter, the authors provide an overview of measurement theory, discussing its historical development, key concepts, and applications. They explore the role of measurement in scientific inquiry, social research, and everyday life, emphasizing the importance of accurate and reliable measurements.

The second chapter delves into the semantics of measurement, exploring the linguistic and cognitive mechanisms that underpin the interpretation and comprehension of numerical expressions. The authors examine the nature of numerical concepts, the representation of numbers in language, and the ways in which they are processed by human brains. They also discuss the challenges associated with measuring non-numerical entities, such as time, temperature, and probability.

The third chapter explores the pragmatics of measurement, focusing on the social and cultural factors that influence how measurements are used and interpreted. The authors examine the role of language in shaping measurement practices, the social construction of measurement scales, and the ways in which measurements are used to communicate information and make decisions. They also discuss the ethical implications of measurement, such as the potential for bias and discrimination.

The fourth chapter examines the relationship between measurement scales and entailment scales, exploring the ways in which they are related and how they can be used to interpret and evaluate scientific claims. The authors discuss the concept of measurement error, the use of statistical models in measurement, and the evaluation of the validity and reliability of measurement data.

The fifth chapter explores the interfaces of measurement, scales, and numerical expressions with other fields, such as philosophy of language and sociolinguistics. The authors discuss the philosophical implications of measurement, such as the nature of truth, the validity of scientific theories, and the role of language in shaping scientific discourse. They also explore the sociolinguistic aspects of measurement, such as the ways in which language variation affects measurement practices and interpretations.

The final chapter summarizes the key findings and implications of the book, providing a comprehensive overview of the topics discussed. The authors offer recommendations for future research in the field, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the need to address complex and multifaceted issues related to measurement, scales, and numerical expressions.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in the semantics and pragmatics of measurement, scales, and numerical expressions. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date exploration of the latest developments in this field, drawing from a wide range of interdisciplinary perspectives. The authors' insightful analysis and thoughtful recommendations will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of our understanding of these important phenomena.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030733254
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022