in data envelopment analysis, the relative efficiency of a decision making unit (dmu) is defined as the ratio of the sum of its weighted outputs to the sum of its weighted inputs allowing the dmus to freely allocate weights to their inputs/outputs. however, this measure may not reflect a the true efficiency of a dmu because some of its inputs/outputs may not contribute reasonably in computing t...

The paper analyzes economic evaluations by distinguishing evaluative statements from value judgments proper. Building on this basis, it compares four solutions to the value-neutrality problem in economics. After rebutting the strong theses about neutrality (normative economics is illegitimate) and non-neutrality (the social sciences are value-impregnated), the paper settles the case between the...