Ranking and optimality are based on pairwise comparisons between a desired optimum and its competitors. The 'comparative tableau' identifies the elements that figure in the ranking arguments derived from such comparisons. Precisely keyed to the logic of the theory, comparative representation makes it straightforward to present and evaluate ranking claims; to find redundancies, non-obvious consequences, and contradictions in sets of ranking arguments; to employ the constraint demotion algorithms; to efficiently determine universal suboptimal status; and to assess the explanatory role of individual constraints in particular analyses.
 



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This paper revises Prince 2000:ROA-376, itself a revision of Prince 1998:ROA-288.