Chapter 2 Flashcards
Term:
A single word or a group of words that can be the subject of a statement.
Vague Term:
there is no clear or distinct meaning that is attached to it.
Ambiguous Term:
has several meanings
Imprecise Term:
sloppy use of a term, there may be connotations that cause confusion.
Intension:
The intension of a term is specified by listing the properties or attributes that the term connotes. (It sense.)
Class:
A group of objects.
Class:
The class or collection of objects to which the term applies. (It’s reference.)
Extension:
The class or collection of objects to which the term applies. (It’s reference.)
Empty class:
A class with zero members.
Logic and Language
Ambiguity, for example, ‘rich’
Vagueness, for example, ‘right’
Imprecision, for example, ‘regime’
Intension:
Specified by listing the properties or attributes that the term connotes
Extension:
The class of objects to which the term applies, what the term denotes
Increasing extension
In a sequence of terms, each term denotes a set of objects with more members than the previous term.
Pacific Ocean; ocean; water
Decreasing extension
In a sequence of terms, each term denotes a set of objects with fewer members than the previous term.
water; ocean; Pacific ocean
Increasing intension
In a sequence of terms, each term connotes more attributes than the previous term.
banana; fruit; food; commodity
Decreasing intension
In a sequence of terms, each term connotes fewer attributes than the previous term.
commodity; food; fruit; banana
Definition:
a definition assigns a meaning to a word phrase, or symbol.
Definiendum:
that which is being defined.
Definiens:
that which does the defining.
Intensional definition:
Assigns a meaning to a term by listing the properties or attributes shared by all the objects that are denoted by the term.
Synonymous definition:
Assigns a meaning to a term by providing another term with the same meaning.
Word origin definition:
A meaning can be assigned to a term by investigating its origin.
Etymology:
the study of history, development, and sources of words.
Operational definition:
defines a term by specifying a measurement procedure.
Quantitative:
numerical value.
Qualitative:
open-ended range.
Definition by genus and difference:
Assigns a meaning to a term (the species) by establishing a genus and combining it with the attribute that distinguishes the members of that species.
Intensional (connotative definition)
assigns a meaning to a term by listing the properties shared by all the objects that are denoted by the term.
Strategies used to clarify intensional definitions
Synonymous Definitions
Word Origin Definitions
Operational Definitions
Definition by Genus and Difference
Synonymous Definitions
Assigns a meaning to a term by providing another term with the same meaning
Word Origin Definitions
Assigns a meaning to a term by investigating its origin. The study of the history, development, and sources of words is called etymology.
Operational Definitions
Define a term by specifying a measurement procedure.
Definition by Genus and Difference
Assigns a meaning to a term (the species) by establishing a genus and combining it with the attribute that distinguishes the members of that species.
Extensional definition:
Assigns meaning to a term by indicating the class members denoted by the term.
Ostensive definition:
Involves demonstrating the term—for example, by pointing to a member of the class that the term denotes.
Enumerative definition:
Assigns meaning to a term by naming the individual members of the class denoted by the term.
Definition by subclass:
Assigns meaning to a term by naming subclasses (species) of the class denoted by the term.
An extensional (denotative) definition
assigns meaning to a term by indicating the class members denoted by the term.
Includes : Ostensive definitions, Enumerative definitions, Definitions by subclass
Ostensive Definitions
- Involves demonstrating the term—for example, by pointing to a member of the class that the term denotes.
- Require nonverbal behavior—pointing, gesturing, drawing a picture, or showing a photograph.
Enumerative Definitions
Assigns meaning to a term by naming the individual members of the class denoted by the term.
Definition by Subclass
Assigns meaning to a term by naming subclasses (species) of the class denoted by the term.
Stipulative definition:
Introduces a new meaning to a term or symbol.
Lexical definition:
A definition based on the common use of a word, term, or symbol.
Functional definition:
Specifies the purpose or use of the objects denoted by the term.
Precising definition:
Reduces the vagueness and ambiguity of a term by providing a sharp focus, often a technical meaning, for a term.
Theoretical definition:
Assigns a meaning to a term by providing an understanding of how the term fits into a general theory.
Persuasive definition:
Assigns a meaning to a term with the direct purpose of influencing attitudes or opinions through emotional or figurative language.
Cognitive meaning:
Language that is used to convey information.
Emotive meaning:
Language that is used to express emotion or feelings.
