Natural Kinds

This week we are discussing Natural Kinds.

"Scientific disciplines frequently divide the particulars they study into kinds and theorize about those kinds. To say that a kind is natural is to say that it corresponds to a grouping that reflects the structure of the natural world rather than the interests and actions of human beings. ...
Putative examples of kinds may be found in all scientific disciplines. Chemistry provides what are taken by many to be the paradigm examples of kinds, the chemical elements, while chemical compounds, such as H2O, are also natural kinds of stuff. ...
Since kinds are revealed by science, a science can revise which kinds it holds exist: phlogisticated air was regarded as a kind until after Lavoisier’s chemical revolution. A science can even question a whole category of kinds, or sort and classify kinds differently as the science changes and new knowlege is gained. ...
This article divides philosophical discussions of natural kinds into four areas: metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of science, and philosophy of language. The metaphysics of natural kinds asks whether we should think of our supposed natural kinds as genuinely natural. And if they are, what are natural kinds? And, finally, do natural kinds have essences?"

See the SEP: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/natural-kinds/

If it's your first time, don't feel obligated to read anything in advance, but bring your iPad or tablet, if you have one. All are welcome, if philosophically inclined. Try to arrive early. We start the discussion at 12:15pm, exactly. Here's a little something about skepticism and something more on other philosophical topics. We are closer to Hawthorne than to Kuhn.

If the meeting is full, join the waitlist and check again on Sunday morning. You may find a spot has opened up. Also, see what meetings are coming up in the weeks ahead.