Single Idea 10498

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / E. Relativism / 4. Cultural relativism]

Full Idea

The view that all classification finds its roots in social institutions is now generally considered untenable.

Gist of Idea

Classification is no longer held to be rooted in social institutions

Source

Roy Ellen (Anthropological Studies of Classification [1996], p.36)

Book Reference

Ellen,Roy: 'The Categorical Impulse' [Bergahn Books 2008], p.36


A Reaction

And about time too. Ellen (an anthropologist) inevitably emphasises the complexity of the situation, but endorses the idea that people everywhere largely cut nature at the joints.