Category Archives: Systematics
More on phenomena
Semifinalist for the 3 Quarks Daily Philosophy Prize 2011 In my last post, I asked whether there was a foundation for my view that species are extra-theoretical phenomena. I have done some further reading, especially Michela Massimi’s book Kant and … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy, Science, Species and systematics, Species concept, Systematics
More on why Brian Blessed is a monkey
If this worked, you should see a rather nice, if occasionally naughty language using, discussion of the point I made I little while ago why we should redefine terms like “monkey” to include humans. Sorry John Hawks…
Filed under Evolution, Natural Classification, Species and systematics, Systematics
Is Brian Blessed a monkey or an ape?
One of the recurring creationist attacks on evolution is, “If we evolved from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?” I responded to this once before but it is time to revisit it. Why? Because Marty Robbins has attacked the British … Continue reading
Filed under Education, Epistemology, Evolution, Natural Classification, Philosophy, Systematics
Systematists have a strange sense of humour
Some funny new names seen recently: Aussiedraco, a new pteranodontoid pterosaur genus from Australia [1]. Pronounced “ozzydrayco”, one can only hope someone finds a new species and calls it oioioi. Pantydraco [2] – It’s behind you! Pinkfloydia, a new genus … Continue reading
Filed under Humor, Systematics
Why philosophers should publish in science journals
Generally my papers cause a mild reaction – like a dose of poison ivy. But i just had a paper published in Zootaxa, a mild mannered systematics journal, and as well as a two week turnaround, unheard of in philosophy … Continue reading
Filed under Academe, Philosophy, Science, Species and systematics, Systematics
Arseholes! Systematics, phylogenetics and HPS
There’s been some developments this day. First of all a defunct blog on history and philosophy of science has revived with a new skin and as a group blog: AmericanScience: A Team Blog. I keep wanting to say “F&*k yeah!” … Continue reading
Filed under Evolution, History, Links, Philosophy, Rant, Science, Systematics



