Philosophy of Language: Defining Meaning

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What is the concept of a word's meaning closely linked to, according to the text?

the concept of definition

Who was the first to make definition explicit in Greek philosophy, according to the text?

Aristotle

What is the traditional assumption of conceptual theories of meaning regarding the relationship between concepts and definitions?

a close link between concepts and definitions

What is necessary for any attempt to develop a conceptual theory of word meaning, according to the text?

an understanding of definition Signup and view all the answers

What do people typically think of when they consider a word's meaning, according to the text?

something like its definition in a dictionary Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of discussing the test of truth-preserving substitutability in the context of definitional adequacy?

to evaluate the success of a definition Signup and view all the answers

What is the existence of semi-systematic correspondences between certain sounds and certain meanings referred to?

This is referred to as the existence of semi-systematic correspondences between certain sounds and certain meanings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of idioms that makes it difficult to determine the correct level for the characterization of meaning?

Idioms are non-compositional phrases, meaning their overall meaning is not the same as the combined meaning of the individual parts. Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, what are the two different interpretations of a definition?

A definition can be considered either as a summation of the essence or inherent nature of a thing or as a description of the meaning of the word that denotes this thing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the method of defining words by pointing out the objects they denote?

The method is called definition by ostension. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Posterior Analytics in the context of definition?

The Posterior Analytics is a treatise where Aristotle discusses the explanation of the structure of scientific knowledge, including the concept of definition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a real definition and a nominal definition?

A real definition is a summation of the essence or inherent nature of a thing, while a nominal definition is a description of the meaning of the word that denotes this thing. Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation of defining a word through its connections with other words?

It leaves the essential nature of the definiendum's meaning to be worked out by the definition's addressee, carrying the risk that the wrong meaning may be inferred. Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for a definition to be considered accurate?

Substitution of the definiens for the definiendum should be truth-preserving in all contexts. Signup and view all the answers

Why might 'mad' not be considered synonymous with 'angry'?

Because 'mad' also means 'insane', which 'angry' does not. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of defining a word through its relations with other words?

To situate the word in a system of wider relations, revealing its specificity. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a definition that is not synonymous with 'angry'?

Furious, which means something like 'very angry'. Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk of defining a word through its connections with other words?

The risk that the wrong meaning may be inferred. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of dictionaries in shaping our understanding of language?

Dictionaries have played an extremely important role in the way we think about and use our own language since the 16th century. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of dictionary-writing or lexicography?

To create a practical book that people can understand. Signup and view all the answers

How does linguistic semantics differ from lexicography?

Linguistic semantics is a theoretical exercise, whereas lexicography is a practical pursuit. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'lexicon' model in linguistics?

It has been decisive in shaping many linguists' conception of language. Signup and view all the answers

How does the dictionary or 'lexicon' model represent language?

Language is seen as a sum of impressions deposited in the brain of each community member, like a dictionary distributed to each individual. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between language and its possessors in the lexicon model?

Language is something that exists in each individual, while being common to all and independent of individual will. Signup and view all the answers

What categories of words are not open to definitional methods?

verbs, adjectives and prepositions Signup and view all the answers

What is a problem with defining words by providing synonyms?

It is possible to challenge the identity between the definiens and the definiendum. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a word being defined by providing a synonym in a different language.

Define 'angry' using the Warlpiri word 'kulu'. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the metalanguage word proposed as a definition?

Definiens Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the object language word for which a definition is required?

Definiendum Signup and view all the answers