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Full Idea
A 'nominal' definition is nothing more than an enumeration of the sufficient distinguishing characteristics.
Gist of Idea
'Nominal' definitions just list distinguishing characteristics
Source
Gottfried Leibniz (Reflections on Knowledge, Truth and Ideas [1684], p.284)
Book Ref
Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Leibniz Selections', ed/tr. Wiener,Philip P. [Scribners 1951], p.284
A Reaction
Not wholly clear. Are these actual distinguishing characteristics, or potential ones? Could DNA be part of a human's nominal definition (for an unidentified corpse, perhaps).
19424 | Knowledge needs clarity, distinctness, and adequacy, and it should be intuitive [Leibniz] |
19425 | In the schools the Four Causes are just lumped together in a very obscure way [Leibniz] |
19426 | 'Nominal' definitions just list distinguishing characteristics [Leibniz] |
19427 | True ideas represent what is possible; false ideas represent contradictions [Leibniz] |