THE POVERTY OF THE LINNAEAN HIERARCHY by Marc Ereshefsky ( 9780521038836 )

Item Details

Title:

THE POVERTY OF THE LINNAEAN HIERARCHY
A PHILOSOPHICAL STUDY OF BIOLOGICAL TAXONOMY

By:

Marc Ereshefsky

Format:

Paperback

List price:

£22.99

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£20.12

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£2.87

ISBN 10:

0521038839

ISBN 13:

9780521038836

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Publisher:

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS

Pub. date:

4 August, 2007

Series:

Cambridge Studies in Philosophy and Biology

Pages:

328

Description:

This book argues against the Linnaean system, recommending a system more in line with evolutionary theory.

Synopsis:

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 Invented before the introduction of evolutionary theory, Linnaeus's system of classifying organisms is based on outdated theoretical assumptions, and is thought to be unable to provide accurate biological classifications.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.

Illustrations:

23 b/w illus.

Publication:

Imprint:

Cambridge University Press

Returns:

Returnable

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THE POVERTY OF THE LINNAEAN HIERARCHY

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