On taxonomy construction by recursive generative logic

Abstract A potentially novel formal, systematic approach for theory-informed taxonomy construction is presented based on maximizing qualitative differences among defined taxa through generative logic. A recursive-dialectic taxonomy is a special form of classification constructed through recursive application of a logical function based on narrowly defined formal operations of absolute antithesis and absolute synthesis. Recursive-dialectic taxonomies have features that may offer advantages from both theoretical and applied perspectives across many different disciplines. The generative approach ensures that taxa are maximally conceptually distinct within the underlying theoretical framework from which the taxonomy is constructed. Such a taxonomy is also quantitatively well-defined, as it maps straightforwardly into a k -simplex closed property space in which geometrically defined taxonomic differentiae and typological dimensions are derived from and conceptually linked directly to the underlying theoretical basis of the taxonomy. The resulting closed property space is an Aitchison space that can be treated as compositional data for purposes of statistical analysis in empirical research based on the taxonomy. The relationship of the taxonomic method to Belnap–Dunn logic of first-degree entailment is noted. An example of application of the method to construction of a taxonomy of human socio-cultural systems based on social coordination theory is illustrated.