HANDOUT:  ARGUMENTS OF CLASSIFICATIONS 

I) IMPORTANCE OF CLASSIFICATION

*Language is essential to classification, the principal means by which 
we organize the huge amount of information we are constantly exposed to.  
Language itself is largely based on classification  (e.g., nouns, verbs, 
etc)

*If we couldn't put objects, actions, qualities, and ideas into classes, 
describe these classes with linguistic symbols, and reason from these 
classes by means of other linguistic symbols, our frame of reference 
would be of relatively little use.

*If information in your own frame of reference were not organized to 
some extent by classification, you would have a great deal of difficulty 
in bringing your past experience to bear on any particular problem.

*Classification is also an invaluable tool in using the information you 
have.  You will encounter many situations which you will need to 
classify information and experience in order to help you make sense of 
that information and experience.

II) TYPES OF CLASSIFICATIONS

*The basis of a classification should be selected in accordance with the 
purposes of the classification.  Classifications can themselves be 
divided into two classes:  utilitarian and explanatory.

1)Utilitarian:  

*The purpose of utilitarian classification is to facilitate finding, 
handling, or using the matter or information classified.

*The basis for division into classes and subclasses can be purely 
arbitrary, according to the needs or even whims of the classifier.

*Classifications cannot be test for reliability as can hypotheses or 
causal theories.   A classification is a kind of form imposed on groups 
of objects, actions, qualities, or ideas.  While the form should be 
closely related to the matter, the form of the classification cannot be 
said to be either true or false.

*The test of a classification scheme is the extent to which it serves 
the purposes for which it was constructed.  Utilitarian classifications 
are tested by actual use.

2) Explanatory 

*The purpose of an explanatory classification is quite different from 
that of a utilitarian classification.  The basic purpose of explanatory 
classification is to facilitate understanding the nature of the material 
classified.  As such, an explanatory classification must be much more 
precise than that of a utilitarian classification.

* 5 criteria for judging the explanatory classification:

1) significant differences:  Classes should be subdivided into as many  
levels as necessary to reveal significant differences.

2) consistency: Whenever possible the basis for division into classes 
should be consistent within each given level.

3) comprehensiveness:  There should be enough classes and subclasses to 
provide a place for every item in the matter to be classified.

4) essential qualities: Classes and subclasses should be divided on the 
basis of the essential properties of the matter be classified.

5) unity: When the matter being classified cannot be divided on a single 
basis, the bases used should be related.

III) EVALUATION AND DECISION

* With classifications, a decision needs to be made about whether to 
adopt the classification as formulate or to continue to refine it.

*limitations and problems of classifications:

1) classifications are meaningless without their definitions, and 
definitions must be expressed in language.  Definitions, therefore, are 
subject to the dangers inherent in the symbolic character of language.

2) A classification does not alter the nature of the objects, ideas, 
actions, or qualities classified.  In fact, classifications can be very 
misleading about the nature of things.  

3) Classifications tend to lead us into overlooking the fact that, while 
all members of a given class have certain characteristics, they may also 
have very significant differences.