A Complex Question

Naomi Zack leaves the reader with the following question in conclusion to chapter 1: "The important question to consider and reconsider is this: do differences among human groups require a taxonomy or classification scheme that creates the kind of strong divisions associated with the idea of race in the false biological sense." The ambiguity and implicit implications of this question requires a closer look at what is being said.

To me is seems there are two questions being mashed together into one. There are the following:

1) Do differences among human groups require a taxonomy.

2) Does racial classification schemes necessarily create undesirable strong divisions that are associated with the idea of race in the false biological sense?

These are two very difference questions that require to be asked and answered separately. Answering the former questions is a matter of practicality. Zack already noted the inherent irrationality in such a taxonomy, due to having negations embedded in the conclusion (proving one not to have black ancestors per say). One is left discussing racial classification therefore in a purely pragmatic manner. Does it require a taxonomy? Not if the use of the word "require" is to mean that a taxonomy is a "necessary condition" for differences in human groups. Yet if require simply holds pragmatic connotation, then I would argue yes, appealing to the fact that categorizing groups is fundamentally efficient, as history has demonstrated.

The second question is more contingent on what subject the "classification scheme" is modifying. Some classification schemes do seem to create undesirable divisions while others do not. If Zack is asking whether it is possible to classify different human groups without creating undesirable differences, then answering such requires investigating the specific nature of human grouping. Why are some unique characterizations of human classification that create problems?

The point is that Zack's complex question is unclear in distinguishing between whether we want to classify human differences at all, or simple whether this can be done in a way that does not create undesirable divisions. I think we naturally and pragmatically want to classify any differences that appear nature, yet the way we classify, viz. the meaning we put behind the visible differences, is of importance to carefully consider.