Synopses & Reviews
Argues against the Linnaean system, recommending a system more in line with evolutionary theory.
Review
"Linnaean classification is pre-Darwinian, yet evolutionary biologists continue to use it to describe life's diversity. In this clearly written and incisive book, Ereshefsky shows that this makes no sense. His message isn't just that the Linnaean system should be junked; in addition, Ereshefsky constructs a better system to take its place. This book is of practical importance to biologists, but its analysis of the relationship between theories and classification schemes will also be of compelling interest to philosophers of science." Elliott Sober, University of Wisconsin"[I]nteresting and thought provokingoI recommend Ereshefskyas book to anyone curious about the issues that taxonomists are currently debating. His radical proposals, like any revolutionary ideas, will no doubt be met with strong resistance." Science"Overall, this book will appeal to systematists who wish to keep pattern and process closely interwoven." NATURE, Feb. 2002"This book is of practical importance to biologists and philosophers of science.... Will do much to encourage open discussion in this important subject area." Southeastern Naturalist
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 300-211) and index.
Table of Contents
Introduction; Part I. The Historical Turn: 1. The philosophy of classification; 2. A primer of biological taxonomy; 3. History and classification; Part II. The Multiplicity of Nature: 4. Species pluralism; 5. How to be a discerning pluralist; Part III. Hierarchies and Nomenclature: 6. The evolution of the Linnaean hierarchy; 7. Post-Linnaean taxonomy; 8. The future of biological nomenclature.