ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the concept of 'taxonomy'. It discusses some of the implications of the proposed taxonomy for teaching and research. Although the word 'taxonomy' is used primarily by biologists, it would appear that this is largely a matter of historical accident. If the taxonomy is along the right lines it may tentatively be claimed that the term 'dyslexia', though it may not have the power of the terms 'tuberculosis' or 'phenylketonuria', nevertheless has more power than the term 'fever' and, a fortiori, more power than the term 'excursion-goer'. The absence of an agreed taxonomy has meant that different investigators have selected their subjects by different criteria; and the position has been made worse by differences in terminology which sometimes – though not always – mask similar selection procedures. Demarcation of a taxonomy can be achieved either by coining a new word or by making stipulations about the more precise use of a current one.
