PHIL 1200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Differentia, Circular Definition, Extensional And Intensional Definitions
19 Jun 2018
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Formulation definitions
Purpose of a definition: to enable your reader or audience to understand quickly and precisely how you
are using a particular term, and to point out how a term is generally used
Conventional meaning: meaning that a word or phrase has in the language, that we simply make use of
Non-conventional or stipulative: meanings that we create for the purpose of our discussion
Two kinds of definitions: extensional and intensional
Extensional: extensional definitions clarify a term by identifying the members of the class of things that
the term names
-identifies the things that the meaning of a term extends over, or covers
-by listing the things that it covers
-or by identifying a clear example where the term applies
Intensional definition of a term or phrase works by identifying the essential qualities or characteristics of
the things that term refers to
One often very useful and clear type of intensional definition:
Definition by genus and differentia
Genus: the general category something falls under
Differentia: what differentiates it from other things in that category
Both intensional and extensional definitions can be used to explain conventional and non conventional
meanings
Extensional definitions:good for giving language a grip on the world
Intensional definitions are often the clearest and most precise ones to use. They relate ideas to each
other
Definition by genus or differentia - very clear and precise. But often hard to construct
In arguments: definitions are important, because key terms need to be defined
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Purpose of a definition: to enable your reader or audience to understand quickly and precisely how you are using a particular term, and to point out how a term is generally used. Conventional meaning: meaning that a word or phrase has in the language, that we simply make use of. Non-conventional or stipulative: meanings that we create for the purpose of our discussion. Extensional: extensional definitions clarify a term by identifying the members of the class of things that the term names. Identifies the things that the meaning of a term extends over, or covers. Or by identifying a clear example where the term applies. Intensional definition of a term or phrase works by identifying the essential qualities or characteristics of the things that term refers to. One often very useful and clear type of intensional definition: Differentia: what differentiates it from other things in that category.
