Single Idea 18616

[catalogued under 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 1. Scientific Theory]

Full Idea

If a hypothesised natural kind term fails to pick out a natural kind, keeping this theoretical term is likely to prevent the development of a new classification system that would identify the relevant kinds.

Gist of Idea

If a term doesn't pick out a kind, keeping it may block improvements in classification

Source

Edouard Machery (Doing Without Concepts [2009], 8.2.3)

Book Reference

Machery,Edouard: 'Doing Without Concepts' [OUP 2009], p.239


A Reaction

I'm persuaded. This is why metaphysicians should stop talking about 'properties'.

Related Ideas

Idea 18615 Horizontal arguments say eliminate a term if it fails to pick out a natural kind [Machery]

Idea 18611 We should abandon 'concept', and just use 'prototype', 'exemplar' and 'theory' [Machery]