Philosophy. What Are The Requirements For A Definition?

Philosophy : What Are The Requirements For A Definition

I want to know what you have to have to say that youve defined something. Is it even possible? ~~~ Adam R ~~~

Best Answer To Philosophy Question

Definition of a word,is a very large subject in philosophy. We define the meaning of written words based in part on their syntactic function as a part of a verbal statement as they appear to be used in ordinary language communications. The Oxford English Dictionary is the standard unabridged reference for the most complete definition of words. The dictionary provides an explanation of all the senses of words by providing examples of how the words have been used since the first time the word appeared in writing. The history of word usage in the language is accompanied by the words etymology. Words "denote" and "connote" meanings depending on context and function. Words have multiple meanings and the meaning is established within a context most of the time. Some words are precisely defined in the beginning but their meaning gets changed over time as it is used by different people over time. Because Words thereby develop multiple meanings as they are used, one has to interpret them in the best possible way. Sometimes certain meanings become obsolete and new meanings are added on as they are used in new ways. This variation in meanings enables us to use words in flexible ways to adapt to novel situations or new experiences. Complete definition eludes us because of the adaptability of words applied in new ways. In that sense the meanings of any word are always "underdetermined" and open to new uses. New uses happen on purpose or by pure accident. Defining words is thus a tricky business. The study of meaning is called "semantics" but any study of "language semantics" requires knowledge of "language syntax" and "language pragmatics". The last two of the three aspects plus semantics make up the field of "; They are the parts needed to identify the usage-context and the intended meanings of the users. So, given all my comments so far, it is hard for anyone to give you a complete listing of definition requirements for defining a given word. That is why I point to the OED which everyone agrees does its best to define words as completly as possible based on the history of word use in the language. I have not even attempted to get to the difference between the meanings of words written down and words spoken or vocalized. Pragmatics is part of the difference, but so is culture, biology, sociology , and psychology. People who have helped shaped my understanding of words are Wittgenstein, Russell, JL Austin, Searle, Quine, and lastly my highschool English teacher. I study the meanings of words all the time. Good luck. If you want to take it to an even deep(epper) level, then you have to study semiology aka semeiology aka semiotics. People like Pierce, de Sassure, and Barthes.

All Answer To Philosophy Questions

Answer 1

Genus+Specific difference

Answer 2

agreement of enough people

Answer 3

I LOVE THIS QUESTION. One of many that torture my conscience on a daily basis. For starters... can you define something without words? And can words exist without definition? Through language, one can "say" something. Body movement could aim to define, yet individual perception inhibits a concrete and absolute translation. If we are to supposedly adequatedly define an object, concept, or what have you, what term or definition is there to define that knowledge? Omniscience? No, it is unattainable. ... I am losing myself. :) Again, I love the question.

Answer 4

Read the front pages of any dictionary that has the editors explanation of how he writes his dictionary, because every one is a bit different, for good reasons, and he will tell you how and why he uses the criteria that he uses. However, SINCE YOU ASKED (!!) here is the criteria as explained by Ayn Rand--and for those of you who say she is no philosopher, tell me how she could figure out this epistemology if she were the hack you say she is: "A definition is not a description; it *implies*[italics], but does not mention all the characteristics of a concepts units. If a definition were to list all the characteristics, it would defeat its own purpose: it would provide an indiscriminate, undifferentiated and, in effect, pre-conconceptual conglomeration of characteristics which would not serve to distinguish the units from all other existents, nor the concept from all other concepts. A definition must identify the *nature* of the units, ., the *essential* characteristics without which the units would not be the kind of existents they are. But it is important to remember that a definition implies *all* the characteristics of the units, since it identifies their *essential*, not their *exhaustive*, characteristics; since it designates *existents*, not their isolated aspects; and since it is a condensation of, not a substitute for, a wider knowledge of the existents ; Sorry you asked? :)) Heeltap, very good! But you failed to mention Rand as the supreme epistemologist!

Answer 5

things are defined through the accumulation of, and interaction between, their signifiersa€¦ meanings builds on themselvesa€¦ this is this in relation to this, in relation to selfa€¦ it all comes back to self and not selfa€¦

Answer 6

Definition of a word,is a very large subject in philosophy. We define the meaning of written words based in part on their syntactic function as a part of a verbal statement as they appear to be used in ordinary language communications. The Oxford English Dictionary is the standard unabridged reference for the most complete definition of words. The dictionary provides an explanation of all the senses of words by providing examples of how the words have been used since the first time the word appeared in writing. The history of word usage in the language is accompanied by the words etymology. Words "denote" and "connote" meanings depending on context and function. Words have multiple meanings and the meaning is established within a context most of the time. Some words are precisely defined in the beginning but their meaning gets changed over time as it is used by different people over time. Because Words thereby develop multiple meanings as they are used, one has to interpret them in the best possible way. Sometimes certain meanings become obsolete and new meanings are added on as they are used in new ways. This variation in meanings enables us to use words in flexible ways to adapt to novel situations or new experiences. Complete definition eludes us because of the adaptability of words applied in new ways. In that sense the meanings of any word are always "underdetermined" and open to new uses. New uses happen on purpose or by pure accident. Defining words is thus a tricky business. The study of meaning is called "semantics" but any study of "language semantics" requires knowledge of "language syntax" and "language pragmatics". The last two of the three aspects plus semantics make up the field of "; They are the parts needed to identify the usage-context and the intended meanings of the users. So, given all my comments so far, it is hard for anyone to give you a complete listing of definition requirements for defining a given word. That is why I point to the OED which everyone agrees does its best to define words as completly as possible based on the history of word use in the language. I have not even attempted to get to the difference between the meanings of words written down and words spoken or vocalized. Pragmatics is part of the difference, but so is culture, biology, sociology , and psychology. People who have helped shaped my understanding of words are Wittgenstein, Russell, JL Austin, Searle, Quine, and lastly my highschool English teacher. I study the meanings of words all the time. Good luck. If you want to take it to an even deep(epper) level, then you have to study semiology aka semeiology aka semiotics. People like Pierce, de Sassure, and Barthes.