Single Idea 11218

[catalogued under 2. Reason / D. Definition / 10. Stipulative Definition]

Full Idea

Stipulative definition imparts a meaning to the defined term, and involves no commitment that the assigned meaning agrees with prior uses (if any) of the term

Gist of Idea

Stipulative definition assigns meaning to a term, ignoring prior meanings

Source

Anil Gupta (Definitions [2008], 1.3)

Book Reference

'Stanford Online Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Stanford University [plato.stanford.edu], p.4


A Reaction

A nice question is how far one can go in stretching received usage. If I define 'democracy' as 'everyone is involved in decisions', that is sort of right, but pushing the boundaries (children, criminals etc).