What is a Definition?: Philosophy Forums

What is a Definition?
What does it tell us, how can it be used?

What is a Definition?

sgp667
Initiate

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Location: New York

Total Topics: 1
Total Posts: 12

Posted 10/15/09 - 03:39 PM: Subject: What is a Definition?	#1
Definitions are very important in philosophy they are used to build foundations of knowledge so I want to know how useful are they really? Aristotle made the definition(or at least one of its models), and his definitions described concepts taxonomically(in my opinion), but the first thing that comes to my mind is that definitions can only help you recognize what group does a concept belong to and how to recognize it among other concepts within that group, I'm not sure what else they can do(unless they include more than just taxonomical facts, maybe you can tell me what else does it have( if anything)) with a definition, how should we be using them?
"I think therefore I am" doesn't that come from world that may not exist?

Kelby
analytic poop

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Jan 03, 2008
Location: The Fire Nation

Total Topics: 17
Total Posts: 372

2 of 2 people found this post helpful Posted 10/29/09 - 05:17 PM:	#2
When it pertains to logic, definitions become very important, for the very action of inference requires a defined set of propositions with specific meanings. If the terms involved are not clearly defined (as possible) coherence becomes problematic. At the same time, definitions within a given argument must maintain a perennial meaning, otherwise we run into inconsistency. When it comes to philosophy, definitions are necessary because they allow us to move from privatley constructed squabble to publicly corroborative inferential steps.

180 Proof
kynic

Usergroup: Sponsors
Joined: Apr 27, 2003
Location: NOTHINGlifeNOTHING

Total Topics: 84
Total Posts: 5127

Posted 10/29/09 - 05:23 PM:	#3
Kelby wrote: When it pertains to logic, definitions become very important, for the very action of inference requires a defined set of propositions with specific meanings. If the terms involved are not clearly defined (as possible) coherence becomes problematic. At the same time, definitions within a given argument must maintain a perennial meaning, otherwise we run into inconsistency. When it comes to philosophy, definitions are necessary because they allow us to move from privat(el)y constructed squabble to publicly corroborative inferential steps. Well put.
The question isn't "Which explanations do I believe?" but rather "Which explanations do I least disbelieve?" Absence of evidence THAT MUST BE THERE (i.e. implied by any claim, concept, or (its) predicates, that affects changes in/to the world) entails evidence of absence. [What cannot be done?[What cannot be hoped?[What cannot be known?]]]

Cadrache
Tenured Poster

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Dec 09, 2006
Location: AB, Canada

Total Topics: 104
Total Posts: 2644

Posted 10/29/09 - 07:45 PM:	#4
I agree... though the alternate equally valid line of thought to "inferential steps" is "to make assumptions as to which attribute plays dominance." Part of the problem is that we claim that any grouping that we define to be language is actually capable of taxonomically expressing "pea soup" correctly. Or any combination of n words. Paragraphs. For instance is a full, perfectly acceptable sentence if you exclude Aristolian taxinomication. (it actually fullfills more rules for 'sentence structure' then the sentence "This sentence is false.")
"...There was a writer who asked why it was that when we find positive experiences we say that only the physical facts are real, but in negative experiences we believe that reality is subjective. He made an example of those who say that in birth only the pain is real, the joy a subjective point of view, but that in death it is the emotional loss that is the reality." - Tony Ballantyne, Recursion. _____________________________________________ Truth is want. - The internal state of matters. Truth is Need. - The external state of affairs.

Sorry, you don't have permission to post. Log in, or register if you haven't yet.