Classification Quote by Clyde Kluckhohn
“Without the discovery of uniformities there can be no concepts, no classifications, no formulations, no principles, no laws; and without these no science can exist.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Study of Culture, 1938
Science builds on recognizing patterns, which enable classification and theory formation.
In simple terms: Science needs patterns to create concepts.
Key Takeaway
Identify regularities first.
Themes
science
methodology
knowledge
Mood
analytical
curious
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research design
- data analysis
- theory building
Key Concepts
epistemology
cognitive science
Questions to Reflect On
- What patterns do you assume?
- How to test them?
A Different Perspective
Patterns may be misleading.
![“[In science any model depends on a pre-chosen taxonomy] a set of classifications into which we divide the enormous complexity of the real world... Land, labor, and capital are extremely heterogeneous aggregates, not much better than earth, air, fire, and water.” quote by Kenneth E. Boulding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/47e/kenneth-e-boulding-3728_air_in-science-any-model-depends-on-a-pre-ch_12383.jpg)
