Theorem T1: Matching Theorem - Selection Logic

Theorem statement

Theorem T1: Matching Theorem: Under finitude and conditional subjectivity, rational strategy is need-product matching—not universal optimization.

Premises

• A1 Finitude (scarcity): /en/wiki/axiom-1-finitude
• A2 Conditional subjectivity (weights): /en/wiki/axiom-2-conditional-subjectivity

Derivation logic (sketch)

1. Under A1, exhaustive optimization is infeasible.
2. Under A2, universal “best–is ill-posed without stated weights.
3. Therefore the rational target becomes need-product matching under explicit weights (fit scoring), not universal ranking.[^1]

Corollaries

• T1.1 No universal best product: /en/wiki/corollary-t1-1
• T1.2 Reviews contain value assumptions: /en/wiki/corollary-t1-2

Practical implications (what to do)

• Write needs before browsing (M1): /en/wiki/method-need-clarification
• Evaluate dimensions and weights explicitly (M2): /en/wiki/method-multi-dimensional-evaluation
• Prefer review formats that expose criteria and uncertainty, not only scores.[^2]

Falsifiable predictions

If matching is the right target, then for comparable decision classes:
- explicit weighting + fit scoring should reduce regret,
- the “best overall–product will vary across need profiles.[^1]

References

1. Keeney, R. L., & Raiffa, H. (1993). Decisions with Multiple Objectives: Preferences and Value Tradeoffs. Cambridge University Press.[source]
2. Simon, H. A. (1955). A behavioral model of rational choice. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 69(1), 99–18.[source]

Further Reading

• Fit score
• M2: Multi-Dimensional Evaluation
• How to build objective criteria