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In article <200920061215416784%jabergeron@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
Joe Bergeron <jabergeron@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>> Re-classifying planets is not science. Astronomy is not
>> stamp-collecting.
>Taxonomy is a big part of science. This is taxonomy.
In the early stages of a subject, taxonomy is often important. For
example, sorting out the stars from the planets was very important in
getting a clue as to how the universe is set up. But a taxonomy is
only as scientifically important if things fall into the different
categories for an interesting reason. If you have to fiddle with the
rules, it's a sign that you're not actually making an important
distinction.
-- Richard
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