Page 24 - Geology and Geochemistry of Oil and Gas

NATURAL SYSTEMS AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION 3
patterns not only between the system’s components (internal patterns), but also
between the systems (external patterns). Still, this does not provide a practical way of
applying stated methodological recommendations to geologic systems, in particular
to the development of geologic classifications (hierarchical or genetic). At the outset
of development of any scientific branch, there must be a certain classification (C).
Cognition of the observed natural objects, turning them into subjects of study is the
first and unavoidable step in the process of classification (C).
‘‘C facilitates the transition of science or a technical branch from the stage of
empirical accumulation of knowledge to the level of theoretical synthesis (i.e., sys-
tems approach). Such an approach is only possible if there is a theoretical compre-
hension of multiplicity of facts. The practical need in C is an incentive for the
development of theoretical aspects of science and technology. The development of C
is a quantum leap in the evolution of knowledge. Not only does C, when it is based
on strict scientific basis, represent a broad reflection of the state of science (tech-
nology), but C also enables scientists to generate substantiated forecasts regarding
not yet known facts or patterns. One such example is the forecast of properties for
yet unknown chemical elements using Mendeleyev’s system’’ (Yakushin, 1975).
There are two ways to develop C — deductive and inductive.
The first approach consists of setting initial general concepts in the process of
subdivision and then identifying subordinate notions within the subdivisions. The
unity of subdivision principles and the stability of C are ensured by the method of its
development. The second approach is based on perception of individual subjects and
their aggregates, which are joined into classes. Using the second approach, it is more
difficult to ensure logical unity and stability of C than it is with the first approach.
Deduction is preferred for systematizing the branches of knowledge, whereas in-
duction is more convenient for processing actual data. These two approaches are
reflections of the two ways of exploration in natural sciences — analysis and syn-
thesis. ‘‘It is important to emphasize, however, that, methodologically, sequence of
actions is more or less stable: first, analysis and then (based on it), synthesis’’
(Kedrov, 1980).
Earth sciences in general and petroleum geology in particular are substantially
lagging behind other natural sciences dealing with synthesis as a way of ‘‘overcom-
ing’’ analysis. Let us briefly review the causes of this lagging.
Development of C, following the formal logic, requires application of rules of
subdividing volume of a concept. These rules are as follows (after Kosygin, 1978):
(1) Classified objects must be defined, rigidly or even loosely. The reasons for this
are (a) each object may be distinguished from any other object and (b) sim-
ilarities between the objects could be identified.
(2) Allocating the objects into classes, subclasses, etc., must be conducted using
such parameters that can be uniquely identified.
(3) All objects of a divisible aggregate must participate in C.
(4) Each object of a divisible aggregate must fit into one (and only one) class,
subclass, etc.
(5) In case of a subsequent subdivision of a class, objects in that class must be
redistributed among no less than two subclasses.