Searching & Classifying: the unifying boundaries of identities and distinctions

Linnaeus is credited with setting up the hierarchical structure of classification based upon observable characteristics. While the details concerning what are reckoned to be scientifically relevant as visible or at least observable signs or features are changed with the development of cognition, the fundamental principles continue to be solid. In Systema naturae (1735) he presented the classification of plants, animals, and minerals, and in Genera plantarum (1737) he explained the system for classifying plants largely on the basis of the number of stamens and pistils in the flower. His classification has remained the basis of modern taxonomy: The botanists acceded in 1905 to establish his “Species plantarum” (2 volumes, 1753), and the zoologists, the tenth edition of his “Systema naturae” (1758) as the official starting points for the scientific names of plants and animals. The main principle of Linneaus taxonomy and classification called Binomial Nomenclature is the species to have a genus name ensued by a specific name. Foucault showed how an episteme based on resemblances and analogies had superseded in the 17th century by a new one of identities and distinctions. He disputed Leibniz’s idea of ‘mathesis universalis’ and ‘characteristica universalis’ as a project both of a general science of order and a theory of sign analyzing the way for anything to be represented. The Chapter 5 “Classifying” of Les Mots et les Choses is based of two main papers of Linnaeus.

The talk addresses Linnaeus’ binomial classification and Leibniz’s idea of mathesis unversalis as underlying Michel Foucault’s conception of ‘episteme’ as well as the representation of universal order with viewpoints of Descartes (Regulae ad directionem ingenii) and Kant (Kritik der reinen Vernunft, Kritik der Urteilskraft). Thus the idea of a space of knowledge is seen as explicated in the 17 century to unify both Europe and cognition during the following centuries.

The presentation as a PDF, a video or as slides @ EasyChair


The paper also @ EasyChair or @ PhilPapers