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Single Idea 16877

[filed under theme 2. Reason / D. Definition / 3. Types of Definition ]

Full Idea

We construct a sense out of its constituents and introduce an entirely new sign to express this sense. This may be called a 'constructive definition', but we prefer to call it a 'definition' tout court. It contrasts with an 'analytic' definition.

Gist of Idea

A 'constructive' (as opposed to 'analytic') definition creates a new sign

Source

Gottlob Frege (Logic in Mathematics [1914], p.210)

Book Ref

Frege,Gottlob: 'Posthumous Writings', ed/tr. Hermes/Long/White etc [Blackwell 1979], p.210


A Reaction

An analytic definition is evidently a deconstruction of a past constructive definition. Fregean definition is a creative activity.