Phil Ch 9

Logic

the means by which we come to know simple natures

Definition

an expression signifying the essence of a thing

Definitum

term signifying the subject of a definition

Definition

term being used to define a subject

Convertible

terms can be truly predicated of the entire extension of the other (can go either way)

In order for an expression to be a definition there must be…

convertibility; genus + difference

Purpose of a Definition

give us knowledge of the essential nature of a kind of object

Cognate

term having the same linguistic root as the definitum

Define

explain the essence of a thing; the means whereby to which we come to know simple natures

Definitum

refers to the term signifying the subject of the proposition; subject

Definition

signifies the term used to describe/explain the subject; predicate

Convertibility

subject and predicate are predicated universally of the other; can swap the two

Too expansive

insufficient specific difference has been applied to the definitum; needs more specificity

Too narrow

accidents have been applied to the definitum; saying things that aren’t necessary to the subject

Definitions must be…

composite expressions; parts and components signify all by themselves

Purpose of definition

to generate knowledge

Ways a definition is obscure

equivocal terms, figurative language, unknown terms, uses definitum

Cognate

linguistic root to the word