The Poverty of the Linnaean Hierarchy A Philosophical Study of Biological Taxonomy

'Linnaean classification is pre-Darwinian, yet evolutionary biologists continue to use it to describe life's diversity. In this clearly written and incisive book, Ereshefsky shows that this makes no sense. His message isn't just that the Linnaean system should be junked; in addition, Ereshefsky constructs a better system to take its place. This book is of practical importance to biologists, but its analysis of the relationship between theories and classification schemes will also be of compelling interest to philosophers of science.' Elliott Sober, University of Wisconsin, Madison 'I found the contribution more than worthwhile to read. Thus, I recommend the book to graduate students and systematists of all disciplines who certainly will profit from study ...' Spixiana 'I found The Poverty of the Linnaean Hierarchy to be interesting and thought provoking, and I recommend Ereshefsky's book to anyone curious about the issues that taxonomists are currently debating.' Science 'Ereshefsky addresses a variety of controversial topics. Therefore, his book is recommendable for everyone interested in critical discussions of biological systematics.' Anthropologischer Anzeiger