Definitions and Concepts·Rules·Lesson 3 of 4

Constructing and Evaluating Definitions

Shows how to build definitions and test them for circularity, scope, obscurity, and usefulness, with a focus on the genus-and-differentia structure and necessary/sufficient conditions.

← Kinds of Definitions and When to Use Them Definitions and Conceptual Precision Capstone: Building, Testing, and Defending a Definition →

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In this lesson · 7 sections · 5 worked examples · 8 practice activities

Genus and differentia: the classical structure
Necessary and sufficient conditions
Circularity: the definition that explains nothing
Obscurity: when the cure is worse than the disease
…and 3 more

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