more on this theme     |     more from this text


Single Idea 11224

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

Full Idea

Traditional definitions are generalized identities (so definiendum and definiens can replace each other), in which the sentential is primary (for use in argument), and they involve reduction (and hence eliminability in a ground language).

Gist of Idea

Traditional definitions are general identities, which are sentential and reductive

Source

Anil Gupta (Definitions [2008], 2.2)

Book Ref

'Stanford Online Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Stanford University [plato.stanford.edu], p.9


The 16 ideas from Anil Gupta

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