kayak and canoe are cluster concepts
Posted by: g2d
on Jan-28-13 3:41 PM (EST)
Look up cluster concept in wikipedia. With a cluster concept, there is a cluster of features that define the concept, no one of which is essential. But when too few are present, most observers will say, "That really isn't a kayak. The guy pedals with his feet to move."
Things defined by cluster concepts always cause a bit of controversy. It's unavoidable. But as Kierkegaard said of the Danish State Church, "There's no good saying it's a poor sort of a horse. It isn't a horse at all, it's a cow!"