Single Idea 9960

[catalogued under 2. Reason / D. Definition / 10. Stipulative Definition]

Full Idea

A stipulative definition lays down that a given linguistic expression is to have a certain meaning; this is why they cannot be said to be correct or incorrect.

Gist of Idea

A stipulative definition lays down that an expression is to have a certain meaning

Source

Thomas Mautner (Penguin Dictionary of Philosophy [1996], 'definition')

Book Reference

Mautner,Thomas: 'Dictionary of Philosophy' [Penguin 1997], p.126


A Reaction

These are uncontroversial when they are explicitly made in writing by a single person. The tricky case is where they are implicitly made in conversation by a community. After a century or two these look like facts, their origin having been lost.