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  3. The Poverty of the Linnaean Hierarchy
  • Cited by 147
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Online publication date:
July 2009
Print publication year:
2000
Online ISBN:
9780511498459
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511498459
Subjects:
Life Sciences, Evolutionary Biology, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy
Series:
Cambridge Studies in Philosophy and Biology
Information

Book description

The question of whether biologists should continue to use the Linnaean hierarchy has been a hotly debated issue. Invented before the introduction of evolutionary theory, Linnaeus's system of classifying organisms is based on outdated theoretical assumptions, and is thought to be unable to provide accurate biological classifications. Marc Ereshefsky argues that biologists should abandon the Linnaean system and adopt an alternative that is more in line with evolutionary theory. He traces the evolution of the Linnaean hierarchy from its introduction to the present. He illustrates how the continued use of this system hampers our ability to classify the organic world, and then goes on to make specific recommendations for a post-Linnaean method of classification. Accessible to a wide range of readers by providing introductory chapters to the philosophy of classification and the taxonomy of biology, the book will interest both scholars and students of biology and the philosophy of science.

Reviews

‘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, Madison

‘I found the contribution more than worthwhile to read. Thus, I recommend the book to graduate students and systematists of all disciplines who certainly will profit from study …’

Source: Spixiana

‘I found The Poverty of the Linnaean Hierarchy to be interesting and thought provoking, and I recommend Ereshefsky’s book to anyone curious about the issues that taxonomists are currently debating.’

Source: Science

‘Ereshefsky addresses a variety of controversial topics. Therefore, his book is recommendable for everyone interested in critical discussions of biological systematics.’

Source: Anthropologischer Anzeiger

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