Difference between revisions of "Definition"
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A definition of a name (''definitio nominis'') sets a clear value for a [[Word|word]] or [[Phrase|phrase]] so that the parties involved will definitely know what that word/phrase means when they talk about the word/phrase. It is a common establishment not only in [[language]], but also in [[logic]] and [[mathematics]]. For example, ''I call soul that which is the principle of thought within us''. | A definition of a name (''definitio nominis'') sets a clear value for a [[Word|word]] or [[Phrase|phrase]] so that the parties involved will definitely know what that word/phrase means when they talk about the word/phrase. It is a common establishment not only in [[language]], but also in [[logic]] and [[mathematics]]. For example, ''I call soul that which is the principle of thought within us''. | ||
| − | A definition of a thing (''definitio rei'') is the maintenance that other ideas are contained in a certain term, assuming common usage, referring to a thing. For example, ''Man is a rational animal''.<ref name= | + | A definition of a thing (''definitio rei'') is the maintenance that other ideas are contained in a certain term, assuming common usage, referring to a thing. For example, ''Man is a rational animal''.<ref name=p78>Arnauld, Antoine (1662). ''Logic or the Art of Thinking: Being The Port Royal Logic''. Ed. and trans. T. S. Baynes. London: W. Blackwood, 1850 (''La logique ou l'art de penser; contenant outre les règles communes, plusieurs observations nouvelles, propres à former le jugement'', Paris), pp. 78-9.</ref> |
| − | A dictionary definition is an explanation of that which a word signifies, according to the word's common usage or its [[etymology]].<ref name= | + | A dictionary definition is an explanation of that which a word signifies, according to the word's common usage or its [[etymology]].<ref name=p78/> |
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 07:58, December 22, 2015
A definition is a meaning that uses a word or a phrase to mark off the conceptual limits of what a thing is.
A definition of a name (definitio nominis) sets a clear value for a word or phrase so that the parties involved will definitely know what that word/phrase means when they talk about the word/phrase. It is a common establishment not only in language, but also in logic and mathematics. For example, I call soul that which is the principle of thought within us.
A definition of a thing (definitio rei) is the maintenance that other ideas are contained in a certain term, assuming common usage, referring to a thing. For example, Man is a rational animal.[1]
A dictionary definition is an explanation of that which a word signifies, according to the word's common usage or its etymology.[1]