Definition

1. Definition Techniques for specifying elements of meaning

2. 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) 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)

3. 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)

4. 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.")

5. 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)

6. 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.

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

8. Forms of Definition 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 • By example • By synonym • Analytical deduction -a form of argument in which the truth of the premises guarantees the truth of the conclusion

9. Forms of Definition 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 • By example • By synonym • Analytical deduction -a form of argument in which the truth of the premises guarantees the truth of the conclusion

10. 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.