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Single Idea 12291

[catalogued under 2. Reason / D. Definition / 1. Definitions]

Full Idea

There cannot possibly be one definition of two things, or two definitions of the same thing.

Gist of Idea

There can't be one definition of two things, or two definitions of the same thing

Source

Aristotle (Topics [c.331 BCE], 154a11)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics and Topica', ed/tr. Tredennick,H/Foster,ES [Harvard 1960], p.665


A Reaction

The second half of this is much bolder and more controversial, and plenty of modern thinkers would flatly reject it. Are definitions contextual, that is, designed for some specific human purpose. Must definitions be of causes?