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Here’s an enhanced overview of the major types of definitions used across philosophy, logic, and everyday discourse:
1. Extensional (Denotative) Definitions
These define a term by listing its members (extension):
- Ostensive/Demonstrative: Pointing to examples (like showing a child a dog and saying “that’s a dog”) Wikipedia+13dssaastu.github.io+13Atlas+13Wikipedia+12Wikipedia+12dssaastu.github.io+12
- Enumerative: Listing members explicitly (e.g., “Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania”) dssaastu.github.io
- By Subclass: Naming categories or subgroups (e.g., “tree” includes oaks, pines, maples…) dssaastu.github.io
Useful when the set is small or tangible, but impractical for infinite or abstract concepts.
2. Intensional (Connotative) Definitions
These specify conditions or properties that determine membership:
- Genus–Differentia: Placing a term in a broader category and then distinguishing it (e.g., “a bachelor is an unmarried man”) Reddit+13Wikipedia+13Wikiversity+13
- Necessary and Sufficient Conditions: Defining via a rule or formal specification (e.g., “square number = integer × itself”) Wikipedia
Ideal for abstract terms with many or non‑enumerable members.
3. Lexical (Reportive) Definitions
These reflect how a term is customarily used—like dictionary entries. They can be true or false depending on accuracy Atlas.
4. Stipulative Definitions
These assign a meaning for the sake of argument or theory, regardless of existing usage. For example, defining “grue” for a thought experiment Reddit+8Wikipedia+8Parker’s Pensées+8. Subtypes include:
- Precising Definitions: Narrowing a vague term (e.g., in legal/scientific usage) Quizlet+1Atlas+1
- Theoretical Definitions: Framing a term as part of a broader theory (e.g., “force = mass × acceleration” in physics) Quizlet
5. Persuasive Definitions
A variant of stipulative definitions with rhetorical aims—laden with emotional or ideological slant (e.g., defining “capitalism” as “economic freedom” vs. “corporate greed”) dssaastu.github.io+1Parker’s Pensées+1.
6. Nominal vs. Real Definitions
- Nominal (or verbal): Focused on the meaning of the word itself—like synonyms or etymology Studocu.
- Real: Attempts to capture the essence or nature of the thing being defined (e.g., “man is a rational animal”) Studocu+1Scribd+1.
7. Other Specialized Types
- Circular Definitions (problematic): When the term appears in its own definition philosophypages.com+15Wikipedia+15Wikipedia+15
- Operational Definitions: Defining something by how it’s measured (e.g., length = measurement from a ruler) Philosophy Stack Exchange
- Constructive/Inductive/Recursive Definitions: Defining by rules that generate the concept (e.g., defining natural numbers inductively)
- Folk vs. Scientific: Everyday usage vs. precise scientific contexts (e.g., “water” as drinkable vs. “H₂O” chemically) Wikipedia
Summary Table
| Definition Type | Essence | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Extensional | List or point to members | Concrete, small sets |
| Intensional | Specify conditions or rules for membership | Abstract or infinite sets |
| Lexical | Dictionary use | Everyday language |
| Stipulative (incl. Precising/Theoretical) | Defined for a specific context | Legal, scientific, philosophical |
| Persuasive | Slanted for rhetorical effect | Political or ideological discourse |
| Nominal vs. Real | Word vs. essence | Etymological vs. philosophical |
| Operational, Constructive, etc. | Via measurement or rule | Science, math, systematic definitions |
Why it matters
Choosing the right type helps avoid confusion, ambiguity, and miscommunication—especially in debates, legal documents, science, and philosophy.
For instance, a precising definition helps legal clarity, while persuasive definitions should be treated with skepticism as they may bias the conversation.
Let me know if you’d like to explore any of these in more depth or see examples in real-world contexts!
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