Flashcards on Logic: Language, Meaning, and Definitions
Logic: Language, Meaning, and Definitions Explained for Students
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Meaning
19 cards
Card 1
Question: What are the two linguistic functions of cognitive meaning mentioned for this course?
Answer: Intension (the qualities or attributes a term connotes) and extension (the members of the class the term denotes).
Card 2
Question: Define 'intensional meaning' (intension).
Answer: The qualities or attributes that the term connotes — the concept or properties associated with the term.
Card 3
Question: Define 'extensional meaning' (extension).
Answer: The members of the class that the term denotes — the set of things to which the term applies.
Card 4
Question: What is a lexical definition?
Answer: The common definition of a word that conveys its meaning as used in language; the type of definition people usually mean when they say 'definition.'
Card 5
Question: List two main rules that a lexical definition should follow.
Answer: 1) Conform to proper grammar. 2) Convey the essential meaning of the word being defined.
Card 6
Question: Give two additional important rules for constructing lexical definitions.
Answer: 3) Be neither too broad nor too narrow. 4) Avoid circularity. (Other rules include avoiding negative when affirmative possible, avoiding figurative/am
Card 7
Question: Why should a lexical definition avoid circularity?
Answer: Because using the term being defined (or a close synonym) in its own definition fails to explain its meaning and gives no useful information.
Card 8
Question: What does it mean for a lexical definition to be 'neither too broad nor too narrow'?
Answer: It should include all and only the essential features of the term so it applies to appropriate cases without including unrelated cases or excluding le
Card 9
Question: Why should a lexical definition avoid figurative, obscure, vague, or ambiguous language?
Answer: Because such language undermines clarity and prevents the definition from conveying the term's essential meaning precisely.
Card 10
Question: What is a vague expression? Give characteristics.
Answer: An expression that allows borderline cases where it's impossible to tell if it applies; meanings are hazy, imprecise, often allowing a continuous rang