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Single Idea 19426

[filed under theme 2. Reason / D. Definition / 1. Definitions ]

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

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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).

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The 4 ideas from 'Reflections on Knowledge, Truth and Ideas'

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]