Taxonomy as product 5 Feb 2011 Taxonomists may be described as producers, their productions being the classifications and names of plants. The non-taxonomists may be likened to consumers, the aforesaid classifications and names being the commodities which they consume. Now the characteristics of a commodity are of importance not only to the consumer but also to the producer, since, if the two are to continue in amicable trade relations, they must be satisfied with one another. It must be economic for the consumer to remain the customer of the producer. This the producer seeks to ensure by giving close attention to the standard and utility of his wares. [Good, Ronald. 1935. The real Species Problem. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London 147:107–110.] Quotes Systematics
Philosophy On philosophical practice 8 Aug 2009 One might well want to ask how seriously this doctrine is intended, just how strictly and literally the philosophers who propound it mean their words to be taken. … It is, as a matter of fact, not at all easy to answer, for strange though the doctrine looks, we are… Read More
Biology Domains, disciplines and levels 10 Aug 201110 Aug 2011 I have to get this out of my head so I can go do some real work (like finding some real work). Next time someone wants me to do metaphysics, they better come armed with a cheque. So if, as I have argued, reduction is one-layered in ontological terms, however… Read More
Biology Teleology as a mistress 9 Sep 2009 Okay, this is bugging me so I’m going to crowdsource it. Who first wrote this: Teleology is a mistress without whom no biologist can live, but with whom none wishes to be seen in public? There are many versions of this, ascribed variously to J. B. S. Haldane, Frits Went,… Read More