Nature of Definition and Zagzebskis view

What is a definition

A statement that gives the meaning of a term and allows us to classify things in the world

What is a real definition

a definition that identifies the real essence of something.

There cannot be a real definition if something doesnt have real essence

What is a nominal definition

the abstract idea that we form when we group things together because of their similar qualities but which do not tells what their natures is.

What is an example of a real definition

Water

Gold

Rat

explain how the term rat has a real essence

it is a specific species of rodent with particular traits that only it has.

Means there is a difference between rats and non rats

What is an example of a nominal definition

Candy

Liquid

Vermin

explain how the term vermin has nominal essence rather than real essence

vermin is the name given by people to a type of animal they dont want around but doesnt specifically refer to rats. There isnt a real difference between vermin and non vermin. Only what we decide to be the difference

Another word to describe a nominal definition used by Linda Zagzebski

Contingent definiton

how does Zagzebski refer to real definitions

definitions that capture the essential characteristics and true nature of something

What conditions do you need to find a definition

necessary and sufficient conditions

What is the approach to defining concepts called

conceptual analysis

What is a necessary condition?

A condition that is required or must be true for another condition to be met.

give a real life example of a necessary condition

a necessary condition of being married is you must be a living human being

What is a sufficient condition?

a condition that entails the concept

If a sufficient occurrence occurs then you automatically know that the necessary condition also occurs.

give a real life example of a sufficient condition

Ann being married to Philip is a sufficient condition for being married but isnt necessary because she doesnt have to be married to Philip in order to be married

What does Zagzebski say about the definition of knowledge?

involves 'cognitive contact with reality' and only true propositions describe reality so we can only know true propositions, not false ones.

although truth is a necessary condition of knowledge, it is not a sufficient condition:

give the 4 key issues that Zagzebski says must be avoided when making definitions

they should not be ad hoc

Should not be negative - defined by what it is not

Should not be circular - include the term that is being defined

Should not be obscure - using terms in the definition that also need defining

What is Zagzebskis take on the definition of knowledge

knowledge involves cognitive contact with reality

to find a true definition of knowledge we must identify its necessary condition