The complexity of the classification: Representation in information science education

Abstract

The teaching-learning of classification for Brazilian Information Science education requires the apprehension of the use of table mechanisms for the formation of a notation or a document classification number and also to understand the variables that must be taken into account in the act of classifying an information resource. We start from the premise that classification is an act inherent to the human being, and, at the same time, involved in complexity, requiring a dimensional knowledge about things for the classification process. Based on Jansen (2008), this study explores the complexity of classification through the discussion of the taxonomy of Chinese animals, presented by Jorge Luís Borges (1981). It seeks to answer the objective question: What lessons can we learn from TAB, which is a classification built for the representation of Chinese animals, in order to contribute to the teaching-learning of classification of documentary resources? To this end, it conducted a narrative review and sought conceptual inputs from Aristotle's hierarchical principles: Rationale; Structure; Disjunction; Thoroughness; Clarity; Uniformity; and Explicitness and precision. These principles were scrutinized and related to the 14 classes of Borges' Taxonomy, enabling a heuristic analysis and pointing out some of the mistakes that can be made in the construction of a classification system.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/ptoketheeducati-071