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Cognitive universals, hierarchy, and the history and practice of biological systematics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 1998

P. F. Stevens
Affiliation:
Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA 02138 pstevens@oeb.harvard.edu

Abstract

The hierarchical reach of Atran's cognitive universals is unclear, and some of the key concepts used to discuss them are notorious for their imprecision. Although ideas of class hierarchy pervade Atran's discussion, other ways of thinking are also allowed. The history and practice of systematic biology suggests that a nonclass hierarchical and continuity-based way of thinking has been common there until recently.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
© 1998 Cambridge University Press

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