Classification, Research

Fully Polythetic Class

We can define a polythetic class in terms of a set G of properties fl ,f2 . . . ,fn such that:

1. Each one possesses a large (but unspecified) number of the properties in G

2. Each f in G is possessed by large numbers of these individuals

3. No fin G is possessed by every individualin the aggregate. (Beckner, 1959, p.22)

A class is called polythetic if just the first two conditions are fulfilled, and fully polythetic if all three are fulfilled. That is, a class is fully polythetic if the objects in it do not share even a single characteristic in common.

• Bailey, 1994

• Monothetic Class (Dictionary Entry) Related Term

• Polythetic Class (Dictionary Entry) Related Term

• Taxonomy (Dictionary Entry) Related Term