Wednesday, 22 June 2016

Qualifying vs Quantifying

In this article we look into the duality of the two words, quality and quantity. The nature around us provides a good witness to make this duality precise. All the objects in the eyes of an observer are the same in the elements of composition while they are different in their nature, form and properties. The quality of an 'Engineering' product sets a standard whereas its quantity is only and (measuring) analysis tool.


Courtesy : http://thoughtprocess101.wordpress.com

It is often retold that Quality matters more than the Quantity. The reason for such a statement is recognized to be the connection and the duality of the two terms. The process of measurement comes into play, while one quantifies, whereas qualifying would require certain inferences or analysis from the measure. Look at the question "How old are you?". When this question is asked many of us has certain inherent doubts. But one knows that age is just another number. Look at this perspective into the matter. Can you think about it from the "half filled" angle of the age being a quantity that describes your physical strength, attitude, responsibility, or the like. The point being emphasized here is that quantification only leads to a sense of comparison, while qualifying brings around a sense of positive security(which in fact is the truth).

How do you measure your food habits? Is it dependent on the quality, quantity or both? Unless a desirable quality is derived from the measure being performed the exercise of measurement seems to be fruitless. In Engineering and Scientific study this stands out to a great extent. A sense of scientific enquiry, begins from the limited nature of our measuring tools, while the ability to draw useful interpretations (if not conclusions) would extend the possibility to expand our domain of knowledge.

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