In science, an obvious example is the “tree of life” in which, previously, organisms were categorized by kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. This aided in scholarly discussions, so that scientists could understand discoveries and progressively relate new ideas to former conceptualizations.
According, to Aristotle’s Categories, how objects are defined is completely subject to an individual’s interpretations; however, the relations between these definitions can be categorized as homonymous, synonymous, or paronymous. The classification and comparisons between ideas and concepts creates the framework for understanding substances, species, language, writing, and communication.
In driving, there are societal taxonomies that describe how to behave. Red…stop. Yellow…slow down (sometimes). Green…go. Orange diamond…caution. There are different urgencies imposed by the signs and signals involved in driving. White rectangles, seem like suggestions or reminders which carry seemingly little importance. Don’t park here. No turn on red. On the other hand, a red light or neon yellow sign demands a driver’s attention, and drivers are taught to immediately respond to such an alert.
While taxonomies are useful in categorizing information or object, is there a point where they cause more chaos than order? In observing different systems of classifications, are there often contradictions and conflicts? As in the Portlandia skit, the classification of recycling bins is intended to sort and order recyclables; however, the user may find himself in a chaotic clutter of colored containers.
References:
“Categories” by Aristotle. Written 350 B.C.E. Translated by J. L. Ackrill. PDF.
“Sanitation Twins.” Portlandia. TV. IFC Original Productions.
"Tree of Life Web Project." Tree of Life Web Project. Web. 09 Sept. 2014. <http://tolweb.org/tree/phylogeny.html>.