Topic 5: Definition Flashcards
What is a defintion?
A definition is a statement that makes clear to people the meaning of a word, a phrase, a concept or a symbol, etc
What does a definition consist of?
“i) The term being defined (the definiendum)
ii) The defining term (the definiens)”
What is genus?
Genus is the class of objects to which a thing belongs.
Define Intensional Definition
An intensional definition is when a word is defined by stating the set of properties something should possess for the word to be applicable to it.
How would one evaluate a defintion?
“Too wide: A definition is too wide if it includes more things than are meant by the word
Too narrow: A definition is too narrow if it excludes more things than are meant by the word.”
What are the criteria for good definition?
For not being too wide or too narrow, a definition should state the necessary and sufficient conditions for being the thing defined.
Define Necessary Condition
X is a necessary condition of Y if in not being X, something cannot be Y
Define Sufficient Condition
X is a sufficient condition of Y if in being X, something must be Y
Define Necessary and Sufficient Condition
X is the necessary and sufficient conditions or Y if in being X, something must Y; and in not being X, it is not Y
What is Circular Definition?
A definition is circular if the definition term contains explicitly or implicity the term being defined.
What is Persuasive Definition?
A persuasion definition is one that intends to influence people’s opinion or attitude towards something by using some emotionally charged words or building into the definition some unjustified assumptions
What is Stipulative Definition?
It is a definition that introduces a new word into a language or declares an existing word as having a new meaning.
What is Precising Definition?
It is a definition that specifies the meaning of a word so as to dispel any vagueness in it application
