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Single Idea 15527

[catalogued under 2. Reason / D. Definition / 2. Aims of Definition]

Full Idea

To define theoretical terms might be to show how to do without them, but it is better to say that it shows there is no good reason to want to do without them.

Gist of Idea

Defining terms either enables elimination, or shows that they don't require elimination

Source

David Lewis (How to Define Theoretical Terms [1970], Intro)

Book Reference

Lewis,David: 'Philosophical Papers Vol.1' [OUP 1983], p.78