A classification scheme requiring post-hoc 'nuancing' to accommodate systematic exceptions signals theoretical inadequacy, not refinement, per Lakatosian criteria for degenerating research programs.

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Classification scheme(as used in logic and philosophy of science): A system for organizing things into categories based on shared characteristics.
Degenerating research programs(as used in evaluating scientific progress): Lakatos's term for scientific theories that keep needing emergency fixes and special exceptions rather than making genuine progress—a sign the theory is probably on the wrong track.
Lakatosian criteria(as used in philosophy of science): Standards created by philosopher Imre Lakatos for judging whether scientific theories are progressing or failing; he argued that constantly patching up a theory with new exceptions is a sign it's breaking down.
Nuancing(as used in theory development): Adding small adjustments or qualifications to make something more precise or complex, often to fix problems that weren't addressed before.
Post-hoc(describing when theoretical meaning gets attached to data): Latin phrase meaning 'after the fact'—when you add meaning or explanation to something only after it has already happened.
Systematic exceptions(as used in evaluating theories): Cases that repeatedly don't fit your theory's rules, suggesting a real problem rather than just isolated oddities.
Theoretical inadequacy(what philosophers might blame instead of incoherence): When our current understanding or methods aren't good enough yet, but the concept itself makes sense.

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