Axiom statement
Axiom A2: Conditional Subjectivity: In multi-dimensional evaluation, value weights are subjective under stated conditions. In multi-criteria consumer decisions, general dimensions provide an analysis structure, not a universal value standard.[^1]
Detailed explanation
Single measurable dimensions can be compared objectively (e.g., lower price for the same configuration), but multi-dimensional trade-offs require subjective weighting.
Boundary: objective vs subjective
| Case | Nature | Example |
|---|---|---|
| single measurable dimension | objectively comparable | same specs, cheaper is better |
| multi-dimensional trade-off | weights are subjective | performance vs price vs design |
What “general dimensions–are for
A general dimension system helps you avoid omissions and compare consistently, but it cannot decide your weights for you.
What it derives
From A2 follow:
- T1 Matching (with A1): /en/wiki/theorem-1-matching
- T3 Consistency improvement (with A3): /en/wiki/theorem-3-consistency
- T5 Immunity value (with environment): /en/wiki/theorem-5-immunity
Not relativism
Conditional subjectivity does not mean “everything is subjective—
- facts can be verified (specs, measurements),
- single-dimension comparisons can be objective,
- what is subjective are the weights across dimensions.
References
- Keeney, R. L., & Raiffa, H. (1993). Decisions with Multiple Objectives: Preferences and Value Tradeoffs. Cambridge University Press.[source]
- Simon, H. A. (1955). A behavioral model of rational choice. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 69(1), 99–18.[source]