Defining Definition

1
Defining Definition

• Most arguments require a definition of key terms.
  If you want to argue that our personalities are
  formed by a combination of nature vs. nurture,
  for example, you must define what you mean by
  nature and nurture.

2
What is a formal definition

• A formal definition consists of three parts
• A term
• A category (genus)
• A list of distinguishing criteria (species)
• Nurture is the human act of caring for children
  that rewards socially desirable behaviors.
• Nature is the set of characteristics and
  behaviors that we inherit as universal human
  traits.

3
Practicing definition as argument

• Define the term courage formally by putting it in
  a category and listing its criteria/distinguishing
  characteristics.
• The American Heritage College Dictionary

4
Courage, formally defined

• The state or quality of mind or spirit that
  allows one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes
  with self possession and resolution bravery

5
Definitions by example

• When a formal definition is too abstract, writers
  often define a class by listing individual
  membersin other words, by offering examples.
  Define courage in this way.

6
Some tough cases

• In New Orleans, a dog owner plunges into the
  water that is sweeping her dog away and pulls him
  to safety.
• A dog owner insists on plunging into the flood
  even though the dog is clearly dead.
• A dog owner refuses to leave his rooftop haven
  because rescuers wont take his dog as well.
• Despite the force of the water, a New Orleans
  resident insists on forcing his way through the
  flood to a grocery store to get food and water
  for his family.
• Despite the force of the water, a New Orleans
  resident insists on forcing her way though the
  flood to an electronics store to salvage a
  television.

7
Why are definitions arguable?

• People make definitions that benefit their
  interests
• People may hold competing or differing views of a
  definition of a term.
• People may disagree about the match between an
  agreed upon definition and a specific case.