Sean Gozar Logic Homework

2 - ChE – A
Meaning of Definition
- is simply a statement that gives meaning to the term in question.

Why do we define concepts?

- A concept is a mental abstraction which allows generalization and the extension of
knowledge from some known objects to others unknown. Therefore with concepts it
actually distinguishes, classifies, or differentiates one thing from another.

Three main parts of Definition

Definiendum, word that is being defined
Classification
Identifying Characteristics

Kinds of Definition
Real Definition is a definition, which declares something about the term. This kind of
definition serves to explain about the nature and to distinguish it from other terms.
a) Essential Definition (Genus and Specific Difference)
A definition that explains the essence of a term by considering the intelligible
elements that make up the term.
b) Non-Essential Definition (Description)
It is done by stating the genus of the term but altering the specific difference
by giving the logical property, which belongs to the term to be defined.
Nominal Definition is a definition which speaks about a term but not declaring
anything about it. This is done by considering the origin of the term, by describing the
term, by giving the synonym of the term or by citing an example that will represent the
term.
a) Descriptive Definition
- attained by describing the term.
b) Etymological Definition
- attained by tracing the origin of the term.
c) Definition by Example
- it is done by citing anything that will represent the term.
c) Definition by Synonym
– it is done by giving a word equivalent to the term.
Casual Definition is a kind of definition that defines terms with its genus and state a
cause replacing the specific difference.
a) Genetic Definition, defines terms by how it is formed or created.

b) Material Cause, the material which a thing is made of.

c) Formal Cause, the thing which that thing caused.

d) Final Cause, defines terms with its purpose.

e) Efficient Cause, defines terms by its efficient cause, which produces its effect
when active.

Laws of Definition

1. The definition should explain the term clearly.

2. The definition should be precise.
3. The definition must be coextensive with the term defined.
4. The definition should be formulated positively.
5. The definition must not contain the term that is to be defined.

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