more from Alexander Bird

Single Idea 6766

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / B. Natural Kinds / 5. Reference to Natural Kinds]

Full Idea

There might be more than one natural kind that shares the same superficial features, …jade, for example, has two forms, jadeite and nephrite, which are similar in superficial properties, but have different chemical composition and structure.

Gist of Idea

Jadeite and nephrite are superficially identical, but have different composition

Source

Alexander Bird (Philosophy of Science [1998], Ch.3)

Book Reference

Bird,Alexander: 'Philosophy of Science' [UCL Press 2000], p.105


A Reaction

It might be questioned whether jadeite and nephrite really are natural kinds, either together or separately.