Full Idea
I wish the principle of verification to be regarded, not as an empirical hypothesis, but as a definition.
Gist of Idea
The principle of verification is not an empirical hypothesis, but a definition
Source
A.J. Ayer (Introduction to 'Language Truth and Logic' [1946], p.21)
Book Reference
Ayer,A.J.: 'Language, Truth and Logic' [Penguin 1974], p.21
A Reaction
This is Ayer's attempt to meet the well known objection of 'turning the tables' on his theory (by asking whether it is tautological or empirically verifiable). However, if it is just a definition, then presumably it is completely arbitrary…