A Fact, An Empirical Observation, and the Operational Definition

[Round12345@aol.com]

An excellent post from the Deming archives (Sun, 24 Jan 1999 10:02:04 EST) by 
Ed Tilden points out two relevant passages by Dr. Deming regarding 
operational definitions, and the exact quote "there is no such thing as a 
fact concerning an empirical observation".

It's been pointed out there are some facts, like "2+2 = 4" and "There are 50 
stars on the US Flag" that surely are "true" outside of all context.  Is this 
a valid point?

If they are "true", there can be no disagreement on interpretation or meaning 
between two people.  Has there always been 50 stars?  I may be looking at a 
"Betsy Ross" flag, and you looking at a contemporary flag, and Joe down the 
street viewing a picture of a WWII US flag - all with a DIFFERENT number of 
stars.

What about "2+2 = 4"?  In base 2, 2+2 = 100, in base 3, 2+2 = 11, etc.  
Therefore, DIFFERENT answers to a seemingly benign question.

One could use the exact quote above as a further example:  as I look at the 
quote in my book, it is on page 108.  Is it on page 108 of all books?  I have 
the first edition, soft-cover copy.  This page of this edition may be 
different than other editions.

Hence, the linkage of operational definitions to the quote "there is no such 
thing as a fact concerning an empirical observation" to the ultimate goal of 
proper improvement: communicating proper meaning properly.  It was Shewhart 
who introduced Dr. Deming to the operational definition.  Though Shewhart is 
known to most as the father of the control chart, I recall reading / hearing 
Dr. Deming say Shewhart's greatest contribution to improvement was the 
operational definition.

Michael Round
Rational Systems