more from Jerry A. Fodor

Single Idea 12619

[catalogued under 2. Reason / D. Definition / 13. Against Definition]

Full Idea

There are practically no defensible examples of definitions; for all the examples we've got, practically all the words (/concepts) are undefinable.

Gist of Idea

We have no successful definitions, because they all use indefinable words

Source

Jerry A. Fodor (Concepts:where cogn.science went wrong [1998], Ch.3)

Book Reference

Fodor,Jerry A.: 'Concepts: where cognitive science went wrong' [OUP 1998], p.45


A Reaction

I don't think a definition has to be defined all the way down. Aristotle is perfectly happy if you can get a concept you don't understand down to concepts you do. Understanding is the test, not further definitions.