Perhaps some terms really do (or really should) denote "natural categories" or "natural kinds". Examples might include "iron" and "mammal". But I don't think all terms can be like that. Some seem to fit better with a "family resemblance" model. Moreover, some terms have normative implications or consequences. I sympathize with the idea that we should try not to let our normative views "contaminate" our scientific understandings of how things work, or of the terms we use to express those views. But I don't think we can really dispense with using some words that reflect values and goals - perhaps including goals about which treatments are funded by health insurance.
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Perhaps some terms really do (or really should) denote "natural categories" or "natural kinds". Examples might include "iron" and "mammal". But I don't think all terms can be like that. Some seem to fit better with a "family resemblance" model. Moreover, some terms have normative implications or consequences. I sympathize with the idea that we should try not to let our normative views "contaminate" our scientific understandings of how things work, or of the terms we use to express those views. But I don't think we can really dispense with using some words that reflect values and goals - perhaps including goals about which treatments are funded by health insurance.
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