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Philosophy of Classification

Philosophy of Classification. John Dupré ISKO, London 2012. The Problem. Classification is a basic prerequisite for language, for knowledge of the exterior world, etc. What makes two things members of the same kind? Are kinds discovered (“natural”) or invented ? . Possible Solutions.

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Philosophy of Classification

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  1. Philosophy of Classification John Dupré ISKO, London 2012

  2. The Problem Classification is a basic prerequisite for language, for knowledge of the exterior world, etc. What makes two things members of the same kind? Are kinds discovered (“natural”) or invented?

  3. Possible Solutions Realism about kinds (natural, discovered): essentialism Nominalism: kinds are created by us through language Non-essentialist realism; pluralism

  4. Transcendental Essentialism: Plato

  5. Immanent Essentialism: Aristotle

  6. Sceptical Nominalism: John Locke Real and nominal essences: we are not equipped to perceive real essences, so kinds are created by us on the basis of the way things appear and the uses we put things to. Real essences are unattainable and very likely useless.

  7. Empirical Nominalism: Charles Darwin The theory of evolution by natural selection suggests that in nature there are differences everywhere but no sharp distinctions between kinds.

  8. Natural Kinds

  9. Microbes and the Tree of Life

  10. Nominalism to (Realistic) Pluralism Cedar-wood: >13 different species, 10 genera, 5 families: all or almost all provide wood valued for rot or insect resistance. Cedrus, a genus of Alpine/Himalayan trees, some of which produce cedar-wood. Cedrus Cedar

  11. Slimy Salamanders Frost and Hillis, Herpetologica, 1990 Different scientists support classification in terms of phlyogeny, reproductive isolation, ecological role, phenotypic traits and more; no reason to assume that one view is correct or that different views will draw the same distinctions Plethodon albagula

  12. Conclusions Classifications are discovered, and chosen; nature offers many ways to classify, we choose which to use. Choices of classificatory scheme are relative to our purposes.

  13. The support of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is gratefully acknowledged. The work presented forms part of the programme of the ESRC Genomics Network at Egenis.

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