Classification and Categorization: A Difference that Makes a Difference

Examination of the systemic properties and forms of interactionthat characterize classification and categorization reveals fundamental syntactic
differences between the structure of classification systems and the
structure of categorization systems. These distinctions lead to meaningful
differences in the contexts within which information can be apprehended
and influence the semantic information available to the individual. Structural
and semantic differences between classification and categorization are
differences that make a difference in the information environment by influencing
the functional activities of an information system and by contributing
to its constitution as an information environment.