Benefits and Limits of a Classification

Abstract

This chapter provides an example of how we can analyze a questionable explanation using the categories presented in the previous two chapters, namely alert signals and risk factors.

These categories are first summarized in two tables which then serve as an analysis grid for different texts. Next, we take two examples (osmosis and capillary rise), illustrating different levels of difficulty in terms of detecting a defect. We indicate the reasons why the texts are questionable and we analyse the risk factors of inappropriate comprehension related to these texts. We point out that not all risks are of equal importance for all types of audience and that all categories are open to debate. Thus, we insist that our first categories may be useful, but do not exhaust the subject. These remarks put into perspective the merits of a classification and introduce a discussion on the links between conceptual understanding and critical attitude.