Reflections on the metaphysics and epistemology of classification from a distinguished group of philosophers. Contemporary discussions of the success of science often invoke an ancient metaphor from Plato's Phaedrus: successful theories should "carve nature at its joints." But is nature really "jointed"? Are there natural kinds of things around which our theories cut? The essays in this volume offer reflections by a distinguished group of philosophers on a series of intertwined issues in the metaphysics and epistemology of classification. The contributors consider such topics as the relevance of natural kinds in inductive inference; the role of natural kinds in natural laws; the nature of fundamental properties; the naturalness of boundaries; the metaphysics and epistemology of biological kinds; and the relevance of biological kinds to certain questions in ethics. Carving Nature at Its Joints offers both breadth and thematic unity, providing a sampling of state-of-the-art work in contemporary analytic philosophy that will be of interest to a wide audience of scholars and students concerned with classification.

Includes how-to information for carving: two fish, a plane-leaf bowl, a tree frog, butterflies and moths, a wren, a couple of sticks, waves, a cobra, a turtle, an otter relief, a heron, and a formal leaf design.

Nature in Wood is a title by Fox Chapel Publishing

Over 230 color photographs, paint color charts, and precise patterns provide woodcarvers with information necessary to create from basswood small animals that are big on character. Step-by-step instructions and detailed color photos lead through each step of a field mouse carving project. Patterns also for an armadillo, skunk, and raccon. Woodburning and painting techniques presented with the same attention to detail.

· The most successful whittling book ever published now available in a handsome new hardcover gift edition · Features 18 step-by-step projects for knives, forks, birds, animals, trees, flowers, and more · Includes information on wood selection, knife selection, safety, and sharpening · Great gift for beginners looking for an easy way to get started, and for more advanced carvers looking for a relaxing way to spend their time

Noted carvers and authors Carole Jean Boyd and Jack A. Williams bring you the ultimate resource for unlocking the whimsical characters and wood spirits from within one of nature's most unique woods: cypress knees.

The Swiss Army Knife Whittling Book, specially designed for children.

When he first envisioned becoming a farmer, author Emmet Van Driesche never imagined his main crop would be Christmas trees, nor that such a tree farm could be more of a managed forest than the conventional grid of perfectly sheared trees. Carving Out a Living on the Land tells the story of how Van Driesche navigated changing life circumstances, took advantage of unexpected opportunities, and leveraged new and old skills to piece together an economically viable living, while at the same time respecting the land's complex ecological relationships. From spoon carving to scything, coppicing to wreath-making, Carving Out a Living on the Land proves that you don't need acres of expensive bottomland to start your land-based venture, but rather the creativity and vision to see what might be done with that rocky section or ditch or patch of trees too small to log. You can lease instead of buy; build flexible, temporary structures rather than sink money into permanent ones; and take over an existing operation rather than start from scratch. What matters are your unique circumstances, talents, and interests, which when combined with what the land is capable of producing, can create a fulfilling and meaningful farming life.

A treasury of classic wood patterns and techniques for creative woodworking embellishment. Woodcarving artist Lora Irish gives carvers, woodburners and painters a wide variety of designs they can transfer directly to projects or use to develop ideas of their own. Themes include natural patterns such as grapes, oak leaves and acorns, animals like lions and eagles, and intricate floral and fantasy designs. 180 drawings.

"In today's hectic world, many of us are looking for ways to slow down, take time out, and calm our busy minds. The benefits of doing this are well documented for overworked adults. However, there's an increasing focus on how much children can gain from regular, quiet, meditative practice. An absorbing pastime like whittling in a peaceful woodland setting offers exactly that. With an emphasis on safety and adult supervision, this book presents a range of simple and fun projects that children can make and enjoy hours of play with afterwards--projects such as a kazoo, mini furniture, duck call, whimmy diddle, rhythm sticks and elder wand."--Publisher's website.