Eco uses lists to get people thinking about a particular kind of relational linking, I wouldn't get too stuck on the 'list' metaphor. Re: learning about tigers, neither lists nor pictures are the point to the game (see Wittgenstein on Language Games), they're just entry points into the game.
- Cliff Gerrish
Cliff, I did try to indicate that I'm taking him too seriously on this. I understand that listing defining characteristics has the benefit of shaking us out of our essentialist thinking. OTOH, he conflates two types of lists, so I thought I should point that out. Best,
- david weinberger
from email