Single Idea 9376

[catalogued under 2. Reason / D. Definition / 4. Real Definition]

Full Idea

It doesn't follow from the fact that a given sentence is being used to implicitly define one of its ingredient terms, that it is not a factual statement. 'This stick is a meter long at t' may define an ingredient terms and express something factual.

Gist of Idea

A sentence may simultaneously define a term, and also assert a fact

Source

Paul Boghossian (Analyticity Reconsidered [1996], §III)

Book Reference

-: 'Nous' [-], p.14


A Reaction

This looks like a rather good point, but it is tied in with a difficulty about definition, which is deciding which sentences are using a term, and which ones are defining it. If I say 'this stick in Paris is a meter long', I'm not defining it.