Issues with definitions Definition

certain rules have traditionally been given definitions (in particular, genus-differentia definitions).

limitations of definition

given natural language such english contains, @ given time, finite number of words, comprehensive list of definitions must either circular or rely upon primitive notions. if every term of every definiens must defined, @ last should stop? dictionary, instance, insofar comprehensive list of lexical definitions, must resort circularity.

many philosophers have chosen instead leave terms undefined. scholastic philosophers claimed highest genera (the so-called ten generalissima) cannot defined, since higher genus cannot assigned under may fall. being, unity , similar concepts cannot defined. locke supposes in essay concerning human understanding names of simple concepts not admit of definition. more bertrand russell sought develop formal language based on logical atoms. other philosophers, notably wittgenstein, rejected need undefined simples. wittgenstein pointed out in philosophical investigations counts simple in 1 circumstance might not in another. rejected idea every explanation of meaning of term needed explained: though explanation hung in air unless supported 1 , claiming instead explanation of term needed avoid misunderstanding.

locke , mill argued individuals cannot defined. names learned connecting idea sound, speaker , hearer have same idea when same word used. not possible when no 1 else acquainted particular thing has fallen under our notice . russell offered theory of descriptions in part way of defining proper name, definition being given definite description picks out 1 individual. saul kripke pointed difficulties approach, in relation modality, in book naming , necessity.

there presumption in classic example of definition definiens can stated. wittgenstein argued terms not case. examples used include game, number , family. in such cases, argued, there no fixed boundary can used provide definition. rather, items grouped because of family resemblance. terms such these not possible , indeed not necessary state definition; rather, 1 comes understand use of term.

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