Quote by Garrett Hardin
“Incommensurables cannot be compared.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Tragedy of the Commons by Garrett Hardin, 1968
Things that cannot be measured or compared lack a common scale, making direct comparison meaningless.
In simple terms: Incommensurable items cannot be compared.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of comparison.
Themes
comparison
measurement
limits
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- ethical debates
- resource allocation
- scientific research
Key Concepts
incommensurability
valuation
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it acceptable to use proxies?
- What risks arise from ignoring incommensurability?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue proxies can approximate differences.
