 Conceptual unity. The conceptual dimension of cross-cutting has been developed in connection with the possibility of cross-cutting natural kinds that challenges taxonomical monism. Categories of taxonomy and domains of description are interest-relative, as are rationality and objectivity (Khalidi 1998; his view shares positions and attitudes with Longino 1989; Elgin 1996 and 1997). Cross-cutting taxonomic systems, then, are not conceptually inconsistent or inapplicable. Both the interest-relativity and hybridity feature prominently in the context of ontological pluralism (see below).