Tag: Definitions

Critical Thinking: Definitions Pt. 2: Intensional vs Extensional Definitions, Genus and Differentia, Four Rules for Good Definitions

IntroductionDefinitions play important roles in arguments.  To see why, let’s consider the abortion debate.  Both sides agree that killing an innocent person is morally wrong.  So, what’s the ruckus about?  Often, those who are anti-abortion define human life and personhood as beginning at conception while those in the other camp say human life and personhood begin at […]

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Critical Thinking: Definitions: Vagueness, Ambiguity, Euphemisms, Emotional Language, and the Fallacy of Equivocation

IntroductionMany a philosopher has argued that “happiness” is the or one of the most important elements of human life.  Some even go so far as to say that an action is moral to the degree that it brings about happiness.  Whether we accept such assertions will have much to do with what is meant by “happiness.” If […]

Read More Critical Thinking: Definitions: Vagueness, Ambiguity, Euphemisms, Emotional Language, and the Fallacy of Equivocation