more on this theme
|
more from this text
Single Idea 11218
[filed under theme 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 Ref
'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).
The
16 ideas
from Anil Gupta
11215
|
Notable definitions have been of piety (Plato), God (Anselm), number (Frege), and truth (Tarski)
[Gupta]
|
11216
|
If definitions aim at different ideals, then defining essence is not a unitary activity
[Gupta]
|
11217
|
Chemists aim at real definition of things; lexicographers aim at nominal definition of usage
[Gupta]
|
11220
|
Ostensive definitions look simple, but are complex and barely explicable
[Gupta]
|
11218
|
Stipulative definition assigns meaning to a term, ignoring prior meanings
[Gupta]
|
11221
|
A definition can be 'extensionally', 'intensionally' or 'sense' adequate
[Gupta]
|
11222
|
The ordered pair <x,y> is defined as the set {{x},{x,y}}, capturing function, not meaning
[Gupta]
|
11223
|
Definitions usually have a term, a 'definiendum' containing the term, and a defining 'definiens'
[Gupta]
|
11224
|
Traditional definitions are general identities, which are sentential and reductive
[Gupta]
|
11226
|
Traditional definitions need: same category, mention of the term, and conservativeness and eliminability
[Gupta]
|
11225
|
A definition needs to apply to the same object across possible worlds
[Gupta]
|
11227
|
The 'revision theory' says that definitions are rules for improving output
[Gupta]
|
14964
|
The Liar reappears, even if one insists on propositions instead of sentences
[Gupta]
|
14965
|
Truth rests on Elimination ('A' is true → A) and Introduction (A → 'A' is true)
[Gupta]
|
14968
|
A weakened classical language can contain its own truth predicate
[Gupta]
|
14969
|
Strengthened Liar: either this sentence is neither-true-nor-false, or it is not true
[Gupta]
|