incommensurability
[ɪnkəˌmɛnʃərəˈbɪləti]
nounpl: incommensurabilities
incomensurabilidade
1. The quality or state of being incommensurable; inability to be measured or compared by a common standard
The incommensurability between scientific paradigms makes it difficult to choose between competing theories.
A incomensurabilidade entre paradigmas científicos dificulta a escolha entre teorias concorrentes.
2. In mathematics, the property of two quantities that have no common measure or ratio that can be expressed as a ratio of integers
The incommensurability of the diagonal and side of a square was a famous discovery in ancient mathematics.
A incomensurabilidade entre a diagonal e o lado de um quadrado foi uma descoberta famosa na matemática antiga.
3. Fundamental incompatibility or inability to coexist or function together
The incommensurability of their values led to the dissolution of their partnership.
A incomensurabilidade de seus valores levou ao término de sua parceria.
This term is primarily used in academic and philosophical contexts in both Brazil and the USA, particularly following Thomas Kuhn's work on paradigm shifts in the philosophy of science. It gained prominence in intellectual discourse to describe situations where two systems, theories, or values cannot be directly compared or measured against each other using a single standard. In Brazilian academia, it's commonly encountered in philosophy, mathematics, and scientific methodology courses.
Related Idioms & Phrases
worlds apart (expressing incommensurability between concepts)
apples and oranges (expressing inability to compare)
incomparable scales (expressing fundamental differences in measurement)
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