Single Idea 14957

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / B. Natural Kinds / 4. Source of Kinds]

Full Idea

Everything that a naturalist could legitimately want from the concept of a natural kind can be had simply by reference to real patterns.

Gist of Idea

There is nothing more to a natural kind than a real pattern in nature

Source

J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 5.6)

Book Reference

Ladyman,J/Ross,D: 'Every Thing Must Go' [OUP 2007], p.294


A Reaction

I think I agree with this, and with the general idea that natural kinds are overrated. There are varying degrees of stability in nature, and where there is a lot of stability our inductive reasoning can get to work. And that's it.