Definitions - Instructor: Dr. Thor Harris PDF

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Instructor: Dr. Thor Harris...

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SEP 28/OCT 3, 5 Definitions How would you define Critical Reasoning? = Taking what you already know to understand what you don’t know There’s the “known” → “unknown” Out of all of this research, you’re able to come to what was previously unknown It was CR at first (bc it was unknown), but now it’s not (bc it’s known) Q&A. Who is engaged in Critical Reasoning? What is the connection between Critical Reasoning & Philosophy? Cases (Heroes) of CR Mill Aquinas Hahn Obama Spock Moments of CR Red Scare Radio broadcast of alien invasion Activities w/CR Political decisions SAT/ACT Trial Per Genus et Differentiam Ask 2 questions when trying to come up w/a definition Q1. General type What group are they a member of? Ex. running is a kind of motion; exercise; etc. Q2. Differences Rules 1. Criterion Tool you use to identify 2. Avoid Circularity 3. Extension Ex. Liar G: A person D: who lies Ex. Human Being G: Biped D: featherless The value of definitions 1. When term is unknown Vocab – when it’s a new word Allows people to clearly communicate 2. When term has many meanings → term may be limited to meanings to define it Resolve verbal disputes Genuine vs. Verbal Disputes Genuine: facts Verbal Dispute: Disputes that emerge out of ambiguity Where a term has multiple meanings and we’re not quite sure what meaning is involved Ex. there is a tree, with no one around, and it falls. Does it make a sound? Genuine or Verbal dispute? 1. Define “sound”: something you can measure (wave, experience, ear) Ex. there is a philosopher and a squirrel. The philosopher is trying to see the squirrel but the squirrel is always hidden by the tree they are circling around. Is the philosopher going round the 1. Define “going round” If going rounds means going around the tree OR if going round means seeing all sides of the squirrel Prevent uncritical reasoning Equivocation: a kind of argument that uses a term, usually more than once, to mean different things in different situations Uncritical reasoning Relying on the appearance of similar things to convince ?? Ex. Premise 1. Nothing is better than love Nothing = No thing exists Premise 2. A (F)BLT is better than nothing Conclusion: A (F)BLT is better than love Weaker interpretation: understanding the “nothing” in P2 to mean not eating Do you agree with the Premises and/or Conclusion or none of the above We’re more likely to accept a weaker claims If the claim is stronger, we need more reasoning/justification Definition: involves 2 terms/symbols

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Definiendum: the term being defined Definiens: the terms doing the defining Ex. A triangle is a 3-sided geometric shape Definiendum: triangle Definiens: 3-sided geometric shape Ex. A bachelor is an unmarried, adult human male open to marriage Definiendum: bachelor Definiens: an unmarried, adult human male Vague Often confirmed w/the term ambiguous Ex. is the pope a bachelor? No → we can refine the definition of a bachelor to exclude the pope out 3 types: 1. Lexical / Dictionary definition Neither a True nor False definition Faithfully report common usage, usage changes Approachable Allows the reader of that definition to reproduce that usage Has a lot to do with the words the definition company chooses Bias Subjective Distinguishable different uses If you pick the “wrong” one 2. Stipulative: new word; old word with a new meaning; deliberately providing a definien for the definiendum Not bothered by common usage Why? Maybe there’s no word to convey the meaning we want to convey Simplify definition so that it’s easier to communicate Useful / Useless Depends on the use the user has in mind Ex. brevity, secrecy, emotion, restriction 3. Theoretical / Philosophical definition: definition sensitive to common usage, but feels the sense to correct common usage 2 criteria 1. Extension: successfully denotes all true cases and only true cases 2. Intension: designates the relevant qualities / criteria for inclusion Ex. “The Evening Star” and “The Morning Star” Both refer to Venus – share a denotation → but when you are seeing Venus is important Really want to be true to the facts; Common usage may be wrong Wisdom of usage “Why” is this word used this way Theoretically adequate Whether the definition fits into a larger theory; How it fits into your overall view Ex. “Responsibility” means... Actions that are the result of a person’s free will “Free will” is apart from everyday experience, but coincides w/everyday life Actions done knowingly and w/o coercion Does not involve claiming there is free will The use of the word reflects other commitments we have Ex. marriage Scientifically useful What is a “Fruit”? Common usage: sweet part of a plant Scientific def: the seed-bearing structure in flowering plants Common usage vs. Proper usage Common usage = how it ought to be use Comes down to the words you use Ex. Colonies vs. Sovereign states Marriage Can it be applied to change sex? Child vs. Baby Fetus, attempt to clarify Usage vs. Understanding

What is a “Fish”? L = gill-bearing aquatic craniate animals that lack limbs w/digits S = “fish” means “to catch fish”; A food best served fried T = a word w/four letters

What is a “Chair”? Something that is human made w/the intention of having someone sit on it Extension Any non chairs included? Couch Hardwood floor Pillow Q1. A chair is a type of furniture Q2. Differences from other furniture? A thing to sit on, usually for 1 person...