Roll over Aristotle

Aristotle started a classification system which, with modifications, is still with us today in the form of a taxonomy based on discriminating between body parts. All life is thus divided into kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species.

This form of taxonomy has served a useful function for so long that we fall into the trap of thinking that it is the only way of ‘seeing’ things.

Taxonomy based on dialectics

A forgotten taxonomy

T'ai P'ing, AD 978 in Kuang Chi [Extensive Records Made in the Period of Peace and Prosperity], an ancient Chinese encyclopaedia, classified animals thus:  

Chinese taxonomy:

1. belonging to the Emperor
2. embalmed  
3. tame  
4. suckling pigs
5. sirens
6. stray dogs
7. included in the present classification
8. frenzied
9. innumerable
10. drawn with a very fine camel hair brush
11. et cetera
12. having just broken the water pitcher
13. that from a long way off look like flies

Perspective

This classification causes us to smile because it is people-centred - it's seen through the eyes and experiences of the observer, it's eccentric, paradoxical, contradictory and represents emotional responses and values judgments. It's not science:  but it's still legitimate.

It's these perceptions and values which drive processes - it's these perceptions and values that we must recognise when we facilitate or manage.

Source

Langer, Ellen 1988.  Mindfulness: Choice and Control in Everyday Life London: Harvill p 23 cites Borges, Jorges Luis 1967. Libro de Los Seres Imaginarios. Buenos Aires: Editorial Kiersa S A, Fauna China. p 88