Naming

[Rob Smissen]

I like this a lot

When the Tao is divided,
there is a need for names,
for, like the block which is carved,
its parts then are seen.

It may in part mean (IMHO) that whatever we name, individuals,
subspecies, species, faces of a carved block, is but a part of a fully
and infinitely connected existence. Carving seems a particularly apt
metaphor, as it evokes both the revalation of potential and the
canalisation, limitation, pigeon-holing of the carver. By naming
biological diversity we both reveal nature as it is (in part: one face)
and make it what we conceive it should/could/would be.

By stopping in time
from torment and conflict,
strife is defeated, and danger averted.
The people then seek the wisdom of Tao,

I would interpret this (in current context) as meaning that conflict
around the reality of species in taxacom can only be resolved by
recognising the ultimate futility of reductionism. None of our models
will ever be universally applicable or complete. Rather we should
discuss openly and honestly the utility and failings of each while
proceeding to use them. Thus individuals, subspecies and species (both
in specific cases, and as general phenomena) may all be real, but none
are disconnected from the Tao, and none are encapsulated in a name.

>Things have been given names from the beginning.
>We need to know when we have enough names:
>This is wisdom.

In our context amounts to the same thing, but focusses more on the
limits of names and less on the positive articulation of the
connectedness of things.

cheers
Rob

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