Single Idea 17375

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / B. Natural Kinds / 7. Critique of Kinds]

Full Idea

The question of which natural kind a thing belongs to ....can be answered only in relation to some specification of the goal underlying the intent to classify the object.

Gist of Idea

Natural kinds are decided entirely by the intentions of our classification

Source

John Dupré (The Disorder of Things [1993], Intro)

Book Reference

Dupré,John: 'The Disorder of Things' [Harvard 1995], p.5


A Reaction

I don't think I believe this. The situation is complex, and our intents are relevant, but to find an intent which no longer classifies tigers into the same category is wilful silliness.