Classification Quote by William Wilson Morgan
“Classification is now a pejorative statement. You know, these classifiers look like "dumb fools." I'm a classifier. But I'd like to use a word that includes more than what people consider is encompassed by classification. It is more than that, and it's something which can be called phenomenology.”
About This Quote
The statement critiques the negative connotation of “classification” and suggests a broader term like “phenomenology” to capture its full scope.
In simple terms: Classification is seen as pejorative; a broader term is needed.
Key Takeaway
Adopt a more inclusive term for describing phenomena.
Themes
language
perception
philosophy
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- data analysis
- philosophical discourse
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
phenomenology
semantics
taxonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the term “phenomenology” change the way we discuss classification?
- What alternatives could balance breadth and clarity?
A Different Perspective
The broader term may be vague and lack precision in technical contexts.
![“[Otto Struve] made the remark once that he never looked at the spectrum of a star, any star, where he didn't find something important to work on.” quote by William Wilson Morgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/51b/william-wilson-morgan-74768_hard-work_otto-struve-made-the-remark-once-that-he_2835276.jpg)
![“[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)
