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Philosophy without natural kinds: a reply to Reydon & Ereshefsky
1Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, Netherlands.
European Journal for Philosophy of Science
|July 30, 2024
Summary
The grounded functionality account offers a new approach to natural kinds in scientific classification. However, it is not a complete theory, suggesting a need for novel philosophical frameworks beyond general definitions.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Science
- Scientific Classification
- Metaphysics of Science
Background:
- The philosophical tradition of natural kinds has historically influenced scientific classification.
- This tradition faces increasing criticism regarding its applicability and theoretical underpinnings.
- Reydon and Ereshefsky proposed the grounded functionality account to address these criticisms and defend natural kinds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the grounded functionality account as a strategy for updating the tradition of natural kinds.
- To determine if grounded functionality offers a viable general theory of natural kinds.
- To explore the implications of the account's strengths and limitations for future philosophical frameworks.
Main Methods:
- Critical analysis of Reydon and Ereshefsky's grounded functionality account.
- Philosophical argumentation regarding the scope and limitations of the account.
- Comparative assessment of the grounded functionality account against the broader tradition of natural kinds.
Main Results:
- Grounded functionality provides a valuable philosophical approach to scientific classification.
- The account is not convincing as a comprehensive general theory of natural kinds.
- The analysis highlights specific strengths and limitations of the grounded functionality approach.
Conclusions:
- The grounded functionality account offers a productive, albeit incomplete, perspective on natural kinds.
- It is time to move beyond traditional, general definitions of natural kinds.
- Further experimentation with new philosophical frameworks is necessary for advancing the study of scientific classification.
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