Hum011 (3rd topic) Flashcards
Meaning of “To define a term”
is to explain its meaning
is used to increase one’s vocabulary, to minimize/eliminate ambiguity or vagueness, to set a theoretical framework, and to influence attitudes.
To define a term
Definition came from the word ?
definiendum and definiens
Definiendum
- term to be defined
Definiens -
defining term
Expresses what the name means, not what the thing is
nominal
Expresses What the thing is
Real Definition -
derived from the meaning of the original word
Etymological
Gives the origin of the word
Etymological
Gives the same meaning of the term
Synonymous
provides a word or phrase that has the same or nearly the same meaning as the term being defined
Synonymous
Provides a definition as to its physical appearance
description
Definition that gives an example of a definition for a more concrete understanding of the term to be defined
Example
lists specific instances that fall under the general category of the term being defined
example
Gives a :clear picture: of the definiendum through the use of illustration in order to picture the meaning of the term
illustration
providing a vivid example or scenario
illustration
Definition by simple identification
Ostensive
is given by pointing to or demonstrating a physical example of the term being defined
Ostensive
Types of Nominal
Etymological
Synonymous
Description
Example
Illustration
Ostensive
Constructed by a genus and specific difference
Essential
identifies the intrinsic or fundamental characteristics that
make a thing what it is
Essential
describes what is necessary for the object or concept to be
what it is and distinguishes it from all other things.
Essential
describes additional attributes or roles that are not necessary for the thing to be what it is, these can vary or change without affecting the essence
Non-essential
Types or Real or Real definition
Essential
Non-essential
> the purpose or end goal for which something is done
Final Cause
the Agent/force that brings something into existence or initiates a change
Efficient Cause
The physical substance or material from which something is mode
Material Cause
the form. pattern, or essence that defines the nature of a thing
Formal Cause
4 Causes of real
Final Cause
Efficient cause
Material cause
Formal cause
A definition should avoid ambiguity and vagueness, Must not be obscure and Must not be figurative
Clarity
Must be specific, Not too broad, Not too narrow
Adequacy
Must not be negative
Positive
Must not be circular
Brief
Rules of good definition
Clarity
adequacy
Positive
Brief
