Evaluative aspects in decision-making processes

Abstract

In this work we deal with evaluative aspects in decision-making processes. Evaluative activity, however complex, precedes, accompanies and follows human actions. In fact, the cognitive outcomes which are reached with its progressive development, directs the action by positioning it towards desired directions and goals. The evaluative activity, contrary to what could be thought in a simplistic and practical way, is instead expressed through a series of operations that are distinct but mutually connected, all of great importance. To begin with, think of the attribution of value to facts, data, procedures, events or to some of their qualities in relation to the goals that the evaluator wants to pursue. It may happen that a fact deemed positive or negative in a context and in relation to certain purposes may not be considered as such if we are in the presence of other constraints and in view of other objectives. Therefore, the practice of evaluation, far from being standardizable, more often follows the law of the case by case and it is difficult to harness the attribution of value in rigid and pre-established schemes.