Single Idea 17311

[catalogued under 2. Reason / D. Definition / 4. Real Definition]

Full Idea

A statement expressing a real definition must also accomplish more than simply to offer two different ways of singling out the same entity, since the definiens must also be explanatory of the essential nature of the definiendum.

Gist of Idea

Real definitions don't just single out a thing; they must also explain its essence

Source

Kathrin Koslicki (Varieties of Ontological Dependence [2012], 7.4)

Book Reference

'Metaphysical Grounding', ed/tr. Correia,F/Schnieder,B [CUP 2012], p.198


A Reaction

This is why Aristotelian definitions are not just short lexicographical definitions, but may be quite length. Effectively, a definition IS an explanation.

Related Idea

Idea 17313 Modern views want essences just to individuate things across worlds and times [Koslicki]