In “the parameters of quality” it was explained that determining the qualitative value of an item is not as clear-cut a process as one might originally think. Furthermore it was noted that one person’s definition of a ‘good’ product might vary significantly from the definition of another. This is where the relativity of one’s evaluations is taken into consideration.

First of all it is useful to note that any given item may be measured qualitatively in several fashions. Each group perspective stem from differing philosophies and with this in mind one might also be able to determine with some accuracy the sorts of individuals that such evaluations may stem from.

One functionalist perspective would consider the item’s attributes and functions in seclusion from the context - where functionality is a major source of appraisal. Hence a particular telescope would be considered based upon its ability to magnify things up to 6 times their original size, the adjustable functionality of the item and the convenience to carry when folded.

Another contextualist perspective would consider items in their potential ability to meet the requirements expected of it in particular contexts. A mirror might hence be considered of value as a signalling device. Likewise a glass of water might be considered more valuable than a glass filled with diamonds if one is thirsty in a desert. The needs of the context trump the actual function of the item concerned but the item’s functionality within such a context is considered to be of great importance.

A further aesthetic perspective would consider items in terms of what one considers to be their beauty, style, elegance, symbolism and form. While by far the most subjective of the perspectives, the aesthetic perspective still retains a functional element, the desired end merely being a reflection of the perceived requirement that spawned it. Hence the form of the open pages of the Koran might be considered aesthetically pleasing while so too would be a sleek stylish toolbox chosen for work.

Yet one’s evaluation of each perspective is not necessarily equal to that of the next person, each individual coming from a somewhat unique perspective and hence also bringing to the fore of the personal perspective a similarly unique set of values, which shall be discussed another time.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 2nd, 2007 at 7:15 pm and is filed under A matter of perspective. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.