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  • Book
  • © 2013

Towards a General Theory of Classifications

Birkhäuser
  • Takes a comprehensive and historical approach to classification problems
  • Is first in making a connection between previously seperate domains of classification theory in applied mathematics, computer science and pure mathematics
  • Provides an original and progressive introduction to the main questions
  • Attempts to present and comment the idea of a general theory of classifications
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: Studies in Universal Logic (SUL)

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Table of contents (10 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages I-XXIII
  2. Philosophical Problems

    • Daniel Parrochia, Pierre Neuville
    Pages 1-22
  3. Information Data Structures

    • Daniel Parrochia, Pierre Neuville
    Pages 23-56
  4. Empirical Clustering and Classic Hierarchies

    • Daniel Parrochia, Pierre Neuville
    Pages 57-91
  5. Algebra of Trees

    • Daniel Parrochia, Pierre Neuville
    Pages 93-124
  6. Generalized Classifications

    • Daniel Parrochia, Pierre Neuville
    Pages 125-145
  7. Topology of Generalized Classifications

    • Daniel Parrochia, Pierre Neuville
    Pages 147-172
  8. Metaclassification

    • Daniel Parrochia, Pierre Neuville
    Pages 173-208
  9. For an Axiomatic Theory of Classifications

    • Daniel Parrochia, Pierre Neuville
    Pages 209-228
  10. Alternative Theories and Higher Infinite

    • Daniel Parrochia, Pierre Neuville
    Pages 229-260
  11. Postscript

    • Daniel Parrochia, Pierre Neuville
    Pages 261-263
  12. Back Matter

    Pages 265-304

About this book

This book is an essay on the epistemology of classifications. Its main purpose is not to provide an exposition of an actual mathematical theory of classifications, that is, a general theory which would be available to any kind of them: hierarchical or non-hierarchical, ordinary or fuzzy, overlapping or non-overlapping, finite or infinite, and so on, establishing a basis for all possible divisions of the real world. For the moment, such a theory remains nothing but a dream. Instead, the authors essentially put forward a number of key questions. Their aim is rather to reveal the “state of art” of this dynamic field and the philosophy one may eventually adopt to go further. To this end they present some advances made in the course of the last century, discuss a few tricky problems that remain to be solved, and show the avenues open to those who no longer wish to stay on the wrong track. Researchers and professionals interested in the epistemology and philosophy of science, library science, logic and set theory, order theory or cluster analysis will find this book a comprehensive, original and progressive introduction to the main questions in this field.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Department of Philosophy, Université Jean Moulin - Lyon III, Lyon, France

    Daniel Parrochia

  • Ecole Nationale Sup. des Sciences de l'I, Villeurbanne, France

    Pierre Neuville

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access