ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I first discuss debates regarding the species category. There are a variety of species concepts used by biologists that classify organisms into distinct species, and there is no consensus on which (if any) species concept is best. Second, I turn to debates over ‘conceptual engineering’. Many philosophers argue that we should improve our concepts when they are found problematic. This would include our species concepts and their implications. Third, I consider the phenomenon of taxonomic inflation, which occurs when taxa classified as subspecies are elevated to new species. This often occurs when species classified using the Biological Species Concept are reanalysed using the Phylogenetic Species Concept. However, this inflation raises complex ethical issues regarding conservation. Specifically, by taxonomic reanalysis, we often increase the number of endangered species that we must conserve and protect. I then evaluate arguments which say that we should not taxonomically inflate species because of these conservation implications. In the end, I claim that these arguments are unconvincing.
