The environment of classification: The concept of mutual exclusivity

It has been suggested that information science is still at the stage of alchemy: if this is so then mutual exclusivity must form its philosopher's stone. Mutual exclusivity appears to be alien to the observable universe: that this is so is displayed through a series of examples. Some of these relate to everyday things like trees, beaches and man himself, whilst others relate to more obscure phenomena like continental drift and black holes. The act of observation is also considered as this has a considerable bearing on the problem. Nevertheless, mutual exclusivity must form part of man's mental powers and this has found expression in the relatively exclusive series of symbols used in communication. The dangers of exclusive thinking in relation to environmental problems are considered, and this results in a paradox which is probably unresolvable. Finally, it is observed that out‐standing genius appears to pay scant regard to existing classifications and is more likely to be involved in an integrated approach to problems.