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Originally Posted by Didymos Thomas  In this context, I'm wondering about the various possible ways of enumerating objective differences and similarities, and whether or not these objective similarities and differences are products of convenience, or if they are inherent similarities and differences. |
These two do not contradict each other. Our classifications both derive from objective differences, and are conveniences. Most categories are really based on the particular relevant consequential aspects of things rather than the things themselves.
We are not concerned with every detail of any given thing at every given time. Linguistic categories serve to separate the irrelevant aspects of from the relevant ones, as pertains to any given statement. They are a sort of shorthand of the mind, but are build from our perceptions of real things.