Measurements, evaluations and preferences: A scheme of classification according to the representational theory

The paper traces out a scheme for classification of the three ways by which observable or non-directly observable properties of an object can be judged/described. The definition of measurement as an empirical and objective operation is the starting point. We compare the concept of representational measurement with those of evaluation and preference. Evaluation maintains the empiricity but not the objectivity of measurement: there is no unanimously acknowledged reference for the description of latent constructs. Preference is neither empirical nor objective: every subject has his/her own relation to express the judgment and this relation is not exogenously known. Representational theory is effective in giving a precise definition for empiricity but it is not exhaustive in defining objectivity in the case of preferences and evaluations. Finally, we trace possible research paths to be undertaken for further analysis of the proposed problem.