Single Idea 17382

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / B. Natural Kinds / 7. Critique of Kinds]

Full Idea

It would be a severe culinary misfortune if no distinction were drawn between garlic and onions, a distinction that is not reflected in scientific taxonomy.

Gist of Idea

Cooks, unlike scientists, distinguish garlic from onions

Source

John Dupré (The Disorder of Things [1993], 1)

Book Reference

Dupré,John: 'The Disorder of Things' [Harvard 1995], p.34


A Reaction

Not every persuasive. We distinguish some cows from others because they taste better, but no one thinks that is a serious way in which to classify cows.