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To argue about species is to argue about definitions and to argue about definitions is to create paradoxes. For example: A and B (and C) are the same species w
by teekert 9y ago
To argue about species is to argue about definitions and to argue about definitions is to create paradoxes.
For example: A and B (and C) are the same species when they can produce offspring creates these questions:
- What if A and B produce infertile offspring
- What is A and B can reproduce, B and C can reproduce by A and C can not?
We humans and our need to put lines on continuous stuff, we keep ourselves busy with such futile things.
- crusso 9y agoJust because an abstraction isn't perfect or it can be misused doesn't mean that it can't also be vitally useful in many circumstances.
- TeMPOraL 9y agoExactly. But endlessly bitching about the precise border is a waste of time, because all of our abstractions (including words in every language) break if you zoom in too close on them. People need to learn to live with soft, fuzzy boundaries on concepts.
- psyc 9y agoJust recently I was pondering exactly what kind of information classification schemes give you. I ran around in Gödelian circles until I gave up.