Constructing rationals through conjoint measurement of numerator and denominator as approximate integer magnitudes in tradeoff relations

Abstract

Abstract To investigate mechanisms of rational representation, I consider (1) construction of an ordered continuum of psychophysical scale of magnitude of sensation; (2) counting mechanism leading to an approximate numerosity scale for integers; and (3) conjoint measurement structure pitting the denominator against the numerator in tradeoff positions. Number sense of resulting rationals is neither intuitive nor expedient in their manipulation.