Rules/Kinds of Definition - Exam #1

Question 1

What are the six rules of definition?

Answer 1

1. Coextensive with the thing defined; neither too broad nor too narrow.
2. Clear, not obscure.
3. Literal, not metaphorical.
4. Brief, not long.
5. Positive, not negative (if possible).
6. Not circular.

Question 2

What can the rules of definition be summarized into?

Answer 2

1. Coextensive
2. Clear, literal, and brief.
3. Not negative or circular.

Question 3

What are the eight types of definition?

Answer 3

1. Nominal.
2. Essential.
3. By properties.
4. By accidents.
5. By efficient cause.
6. By final cause.
7. By the material cause.
8. By effects.

Question 4

What is a nominal definition?

Answer 4

A definition of the word, not its meaning. It answers the question “How is the word used?”

Question 5

What is an essential definition?

Answer 5

Using the genus and specific difference of a concept to define it.

Question 6

What is a definition by properties?

Answer 6

Using important aspects of a concept to define it.

Question 7

What is a definition by accidents?

Answer 7

Using random aspects of a concept to define it.

Question 8

What is a definition by efficient cause?

Answer 8

Using the cause of a concept to define it.

Question 9

What is a definition by final cause?

Answer 9

Using the purpose of a concept to define it.

Question 10

What is a definition by the material cause?

Answer 10

Using the contents of a concept to define it.

Question 11

What is a definition by effects?

Answer 11

Using the effects of a concept to define it.