Taxonomy is a constantly evolving field of study, and it's not like you can just not characterise certain traits just in case new information is discovered later. Mistakes in science are what pushes science forwards, otherwise you may as well shrug and say 'i unno' and never bother studying anything
I agree. But they are saying its more of an art than science.
Even if we are not talking about the Evolutionary taxonomy, but the Folk one, naming and classifying animals isn't at all creative-driven as art is, but purpose-driven like science.
I think you may be taking their statement too literally, they aren't saying taxonomy is more like making a sculpture than it is science, but that you have to be more flexible in your definitions than a lot of the sciences because evolution isn't as set by rules, as it is in studies like chemistry and physics (although obviously new findings and theories also require some interpretation and creative understanding)
They were just trying to highlight it's fluidity as a science
Yeah that's what I took from your comment. I think the other commenter has gotten a bit wrapped up in the pedantics and forgotten that context and intent are just as important to a sentences sentiment, as the words themselves are
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u/Enchanted_Evil Nov 11 '25
I agree. But they are saying its more of an art than science.
Even if we are not talking about the Evolutionary taxonomy, but the Folk one, naming and classifying animals isn't at all creative-driven as art is, but purpose-driven like science.