I.

Definition

1. Definiendum
The symbol being defined.

2. Definiens
The symbol or group of symbols used to explain the
meaning of the definiendum.

II. Five Purposes of Definition

1. To Increase Vocabulary

In conversation or in reading, one often comes upon

unfamiliar words whose meanings are not made clear by
their contexts. To understand what is being said, it is
necessary to find out what the words mean; here
definitions are required.

2. To Eliminate Ambiguity

Instances when words have two or more distinct

meanings or senses, and usually no trouble arises from
this fact In some contexts, however, it may not be clear
which sense of a given word is intended.
Ambiguous language can lead to fallacious
argumentation and it may also give raise to disputes that
are merely verbal.
Verbal Dispute some apparent disagreements turn
not on any genuine differences of opinion but, rather, on
different uses of a term.

3. To Reduce Vagueness

Instances where a specific term is desired to be used, but

there is uncertainty as to the limits of its applicability,
although in a sense, the meaning of the term is known.
Ambiguous- a term is ambiguous in a given context
when it has two distinct meanings, and the context does
not make clear which one is intended.
Vague- a term is vague when there exist borderline
cases such as it cannot be determined whether the term
applies to them or not.

4. To Explain Theoretically
 To formulate a theoretically adequate or scientifically
useful characterization of the objects to which it is
applied.

5. To Influence Attitudes

Definition is made to influence the attitude of others or

stirring emotions in one of the readers or hearers in
certain definite ways.
Use of emotives

III. Verbal Disputes and Definition

Kinds of Disputes

1. Genuine Dispute
The Parties explicitly and unambiguously
disagree about a question of fact.
There is no ambiguity present and the disputers
disagree in belief.

2. Verbal Dispute
The presence of an ambiguous key term in the
disputants formulation of their beliefs conceals
the fact that there is no real disagreement
between them.
There is ambiguity present, but no
disagreement at all.

3. Apparently Verbal that is really a genuine

Dispute
There is some key word or phrase used in
different senses by the disputers, ad here lies
its resemblance to the second kind. But this
third kind differs from the second in that
resolving the ambiguity will not settle or end
the dispute, for a dispute of this third kind
reveals and is is based upon a genuine
disagreement in attitude between the
disputers.
There is ambiguity present and the disputers
disagree in attitude.

IV. Five Types of Definition

1. Stipulative Definition

Introduction of a new term.

Anyone who introduces a new symbol has complete
freedom to stipulate what meaning is to be given to it.
In this case, the assignment of meanings to new symbols
is a matter of choice.

2. Lexical Definition

The purpose is to eliminate ambiguity or to increase the

vocabulary of the person for whom such definition is
constructed
It does not give its definiendum a meaning it hitherto
lacked, but reports a meaning it already has.
A lexical definition may either be true or false.
Difference between stipulative definition and lexical
definition: Because a stipulative definitions definiendum
had no meaning apart from the definition introducing it,
that definition cannot be false (or true). But because the
definiendum of of a lexical definition does have a prior
and independent meaning, its definition is either true or
false, depending on whether that meaning is correctly or
incorrectly reported.

3. Precising Definition

A precising definition has a definiendum that is not a new

term, but one with an established, although vague,
usage. Consequently, the makers of a precising are not
free to assign any meaning they choose to the definition.
They must remain true to the established usage as far as
it goes. Yet, they must go beyond that established usage
if the vagueness of the definiendum is to be reduced.

4. Theoretical Definition

A definition that attempts to formulate an adequate

characterization of the objects to which it is applied.

5. Persuasive Definition
Primary purpose is to influence attitudes.
Function is mostly expressive.o
V. Techniques for Defining
1. Denotive Definition
2. Connotative Definition

VI. Rules for Definition by Genus and Difference

1. A definition should state the essential attributes of the
species
2. A definition must not be circular
3. A definition must be neither too broad nor too narrow
4. A definition must not be expressed in ambiguous,
obscure, or figurative language
5. A definition should not be negative where it can be
affirmative