In his book How to Measure Anything, Douglas W. Hubbard defines measurement as a quantitative reduction in uncertainty. He also shows how anything can be measured, i.e. how it’s always possible to quanitatively reduce uncertainty.
However, it’s common for people to flat-out believe that many things — such as the value of a human life — can’t be measured. I believe they are wrong, and I would like a name for being wrong in this way. Is there already a name for this fallacy? If so, what is it? If not, what do you think of the immeasurability fallacy? Or do you have other ideas?
[Question] What can we call the mistaken belief that something can’t be measured?
In his book How to Measure Anything, Douglas W. Hubbard defines measurement as a quantitative reduction in uncertainty. He also shows how anything can be measured, i.e. how it’s always possible to quanitatively reduce uncertainty.
However, it’s common for people to flat-out believe that many things — such as the value of a human life — can’t be measured. I believe they are wrong, and I would like a name for being wrong in this way. Is there already a name for this fallacy? If so, what is it? If not, what do you think of the immeasurability fallacy? Or do you have other ideas?