Some Axioms of Taxonomy

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Abstract
The goals of taxonomy with respect to the cataloging of organic diversity and the preservation of samples from this diversity are poorly defined. Possible goals are discussed, along with ways and means of approaching these goals. Reasons are given for discouraging attempts to reach some sort of completeness in our description of nature and encouraging studies in depth of selected groups. The difficulties of specifying exactly what is meant by genetic relationship are described, and the conclusion is reached that there are many kinds of genetic relationship, no one kind any more or less important (on a priori grounds) than any other. The relationship of taxonomy and evolutionary theory is explored, and the suggestion is made that present day interactions have a substantial negative component for both fields. Finally, a bright future is seen for taxonomy in the search for patterns of structure in multivariate systems, both biological and non-biological.

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