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Introduction To Logic Module 3 Language and Definitions

INTRO TO LOGIC DAY 3

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Hannah Lee Judilla
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41 views

Introduction To Logic Module 3 Language and Definitions

INTRO TO LOGIC DAY 3

Uploaded by

Hannah Lee Judilla
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 16

James Mathew B.

Viernes

Module 3:
Language and Definitions
• Language Functions

• Emotive Language, Neutral


Language, and Disputes

• Disputes and Ambiguity


TABLE OF • Definitions and Their Uses

CONTENT • The Structure of Definitions:


Extension and Intension

• Definition by Genus and


Difference

Presentation title 2
Language Function
Logic is the means of thinking right. Language is the dress of thought.
Thoughts must be expressed in language, because if we do not express our
thoughts in language, we will not be able to analyze them logically. Logic,
which protects our minds from falling into error, finds a space for expression
through language. Thoughts and concepts that qualify as right or wrong
occur through language. Therefore, in order to determine the logical validity
of any reasoning, it must be expressed through language and gained an
argument form

Presentation title 3
We may say that language has three major functions:

1. Informative

2. Expressive

3. Directive To these we may add less common types of use:

a. Ceremonial language (as when we say, “How do you do?” upon being
introduced to a stranger), in which words may combine expressive and
other functions; and

b. Performative language (as when we say, “I apologize for my foolish remark”),


in which words themselves serve, when spoken or written, to perform the
function they announce. Other examples are “I congratulate you, . . .” “I accept
your offer, . . .” and “I promise you that. . . .”
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Emotive Language, Neutral Language,
and Disputes
A given sentence, or passage, can serve several
functions—that is, for example, it can express feelings
while reporting facts—the clever use of language can
be deceptive or manipulative, and the careless use of
language can lead to needless misunderstanding and
dispute.

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• Emotionally colored language is appropriate in some contexts—in poetry for
example—but it is highly inappropriate in other contexts, for example, in
survey research.
• The responses to a survey will certainly depend in good measure on the
words used in asking the questions.
• Whether we should avoid emotive language, or rely on it, depends on the
purpose language is intended to serve in the context. If we aim to provide an
unbiased report of facts, we undermine that objective if we use words that
are heavily charged with emotional meaning.
• Sometimes, however, it is nearly impossible to avoid some emotive content—
such as when those in conflict about the morality of abortion call themselves
either “pro-life,” or “pro-choice.” In logic we generally strive for language that
is, so far as possible, free of the distortion that emotive meanings introduce
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Disputes and Ambiguity
Many disputes, whether about beliefs or about attitudes, are genuine.
However, some disputes are merely verbal, arising only as a result of
linguistic misunderstanding. The terms used by the disputing parties
may have more than one meaning—they may be ambiguous—but
such ambiguity may be unrecognized by the disputing parties. To
uncover and to resolve verbal disagreements, ambiguities must be
identified, and the alternative meanings of the critical terms in the
dispute must be distinguished and clarified

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Disputes fall into three categories:

• Obviously genuine dispute

• Merely verbal disputes

• Apparently verbal but really genuine

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Definitions and Their Uses
Good definitions are plainly very helpful in eliminating
verbal disputes, but there are other uses of definition that
are important in logic. Before distinguishing these uses, one
feature of all definitions must be emphasized: Definitions
are definitions of symbols (not of objects), because only
symbols have the meanings that definitions may explain.

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Five Kinds of Definitions

1. Stipulative definition a definition in which a new symbol is introduced to which some


meaning is arbitrarily assigned; as opposed to a lexical definition, a stipulative definition
cannot be correct or incorrect.
2. Lexical definition a definition that reports the meaning that the definiendum already has. A
lexical definition can be true or false.
3. Precising definition a definition devised to eliminate ambiguity or vagueness by delineating a
concept more sharply
4. Theoretical definition a definition that encapsulates an understanding of the theory in
which that term is a key element.
5. Persuasive definition a definition formulated and used to resolve a dispute by influencing
attitudes or stirring emotions, often relying upon the use of emotive language.
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The Structure of Definitions: Extension
and Intension
A definition states the meaning of a term. When we
look closely at the literal (or descriptive) meaning of a
term, however, we see that there are different senses
in which that term has meaning

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Extension and Intension

• Extension The collection of all the objects to which a term may


correctly be applied.
• Intension The attributes shared by all and only the objects in the class
that a given term denotes; the connotation of the term.

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Six Techniques for Defining Terms

• A. Extensional Techniques • B. Intensional Techniques


1. Denotative definition 1. Synonymous definitions
2. Ostensive definitions 2. Operational definitions
3. Quasi-ostensive 3. Definitions by genus and
definitions difference

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Definition by Genus and Difference
Definition by genus and difference relies directly on the
intension of the terms defined, and it does so in the most
helpful way. In view of their exceedingly common use, we
look very closely at definitions of this type. Definitions by
genus and difference are also called analytical definitions, or
by their Latin name, definitions per genus et differentia.

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Five GOOD Rules

• Rule 1: A definition should state the essential attributes of the species.


• Rule 2: A definition must not be circular.
• Rule 3: A definition must be neither too broad nor too narrow
• Rule 4: Ambiguous, obscure, or figurative language must not be used in a
definition.
• Rule 5: A definition should not be negative when it can be affirmative.

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