Definition Techniques for specifying elements of meaning

Definition types by purpose Stipulating “Metaphysical” as Needleman uses the term, means “originating from the endless source of consciousness and being.” (American Soul, p. 17; contrast with more usual, "beliefs that cannot be proved or disproved by evidence") God -- "a person without a body (i.e., a spirit) who is eternal, is perfectly free, omnipotent, omniscient, perfectly good, and the creator of all things" (R. Swinburne, The Existence of God, p. 8)

Definition types by purpose Stipulating Explanatory The “metaphysics of democracy”—the idea that an authentically known vision and energy come through the association of equals seeking to serve a greater aim and intentionally struggling with the attachment to their own opinions. (p. 69)

Definition types by purpose Stipulating Explanatory Precising The Constitutional Convention is our specifically American symbol of the art and power of the community. (Note: This precises the somewhat obscure notion of "the art and power of the community.")

Definition types by purpose Stipulating Explanatory Precising Rhetorical “Political liberty means first and foremost the social conditions necessary to allow this search for one’s own moral or spiritual light.” (p. 20)

Forms of Definition By example What I mean by “fiscal irresponsibility” is something like the Reagan presidency, when the national debt soared to unheard-of levels.

Forms of Definition By example By synonym “Weapon of mass deception” is another way of saying “politically-motivated lie”.

Forms of Definition By example By synonym Analytical deduction - a form of argument in which the truth of the premises guarantees the truth of the conclusion Note: well-formed analytical definitions always have two parts: 1) type of thing being defined 2) what distinguishes the thing being defined from others of that type

Caution!! Whenever coming to an agreement, watch out for equivocation, which occurs when a word or phrase is used in different senses in the same text or conversation. It’s very confusing and very easy to miss. New Yorker: I’ll send you a fax at 3 o’clock. Los Angelino: OK. I’ll be waiting for your 3 o’clock fax.