incommensurability Definition
- 1the quality or state of being incommensurable; lack of a common standard of measurement
- 2the quality or state of being impossible to measure by the same standards
Using incommensurability: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "incommensurability" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The incommensurability of the two systems made it difficult to compare their results.
Example
The incommensurability of their experiences made it hard for them to understand each other.
Example
The incommensurability of the two theories made it impossible to reconcile them.
incommensurability Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for incommensurability
Antonyms for incommensurability
Phrases with incommensurability
a philosophical and scientific theory that there are no objective ways to compare different scientific theories, paradigms, or worldviews
Example
The incommensurability thesis has been debated among philosophers of science for decades.
incommensurability of values
a philosophical and ethical concept that different values cannot be compared or ranked objectively
Example
The incommensurability of values makes it difficult to resolve moral dilemmas.
a linguistic concept that different languages have unique structures and meanings that cannot be translated or compared exactly
Example
The incommensurability of language poses challenges for cross-cultural communication.
Origins of incommensurability
from Latin 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'commensurabilis' meaning 'commensurable'
Summary: incommensurability in Brief
The term 'incommensurability' [ˌɪnkəˌmɛnʃ(ə)rəˈbɪlɪti] refers to the quality or state of being impossible to measure by the same standards. It can apply to scientific theories, paradigms, or worldviews, as well as to ethical or linguistic concepts. Examples include 'The incommensurability of their experiences made it hard for them to understand each other.' and 'The incommensurability of values makes it difficult to resolve moral dilemmas.'
