Reflections upon measurement and uncertainty in measurement

Abstract

Measurements of physical quantities are the corner stone upon which we humans have built the scientific perception of the world. They characterize the scientific system of beliefs: measurements are the distinctive means to tell the scientific truth apart from any other kind of approach to knowledge. Moreover, measurements have been having a central part in the development of any sort of machine, instrument and artefact that humans have invented. Yet in industry, especially in small medium size enterprises (SME’s), time and money spent in measurements is often seen as a necessary evil or, worst, as a waste of valuable resources. To contribute in contrasting this negative perception, a clarification of the fundamental concept of measurement is presented. The emphasis is in particular placed on uncertainty in measurement. The need for the introduction of the concept of uncertainty is justified. The theoretical implications attached to uncertainty of measurement are analyzed.