Metaphysical and Epistemological Approaches to Developing a Theory of Artifact Kinds

Abstract

In this chapter, I examine whether the philosophy of natural kinds can yield useful clues for the development of a theory of the metaphysics and epistemology of artifact kinds. In passing, I explore the prospects for a unified account of kinds that applies to natural kinds as well as artifact kinds. As a generally accepted, satisfactory theory of natural kindhood is still lacking, both these prospects appear dim. I review parts of the recent history of philosophical work on natural kinds, particularly in philosophy of biology, and highlight a development that I call an “epistemological turn” in thinking about kinds. I argue that recent work following this epistemological turn shows promise when it comes to the development of a theory of artifact kinds but that there still are problems specific for the artifactual realm which theories of artifact kinds must address.