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Classes Quote by James Gleick

“Names are not the things they name. Classes are not coextensive with subclasses.” quote by James Gleick
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““Names are not the things they name. Classes are not coextensive with subclasses.””

James Gleick

About This Quote

Source Book: The Information, 2011

Names are symbols, not the entities they denote; categories are not always perfectly nested.

In simple terms: Names are symbols; categories differ.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of classification.

Themes

language philosophy taxonomy logic

Mood

analytical curious

Type

theoretical educational

When to use this quote

  • software design
  • legal definitions
  • scientific classification

Key Concepts

Semiotics ontology hierarchy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you handle ambiguous classifications?
  • When do you need new terminology?
A Different Perspective

Rigid categories can oversimplify complexity.

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