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Single Idea 6774

[from 'Philosophy of Science' by Alexander Bird, in 26. Natural Theory / B. Natural Kinds / 3. Knowing Kinds ]

Full Idea

Creatures that are able to recognise natural kinds and laws have a selective advantage, so Darwinism suggests that we should have some native ability to detect natural kinds.

Gist of Idea

Darwinism suggests that we should have a native ability to detect natural kinds

Source

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

Book Reference

Bird,Alexander: 'Philosophy of Science' [UCL Press 2000], p.117


A Reaction

This seems right, but it makes 'natural kind' a rather instrumental concept, relative to our interests. True natural kinds cut across our interests, as when we discover by anatomy that whales are not fish, or that rubies and sapphires are both corundum.