Arguments of Definition

English 104

Understanding Arguments of Definition

Definition arguments try to establish whether someone or something belongs to a certain category Examples:

Is a bear in the Rocky Mountains an endangered species? Is an unsolicited kiss sexual harassment? Is that person a man or a woman?

In order to answer each of the above questions, the definitions of ‘endangered species,’ ‘sexual harassment,’ and ‘man/woman’ must be determined

Understanding Arguments of Definition

Many definitions are subject to debate and controversy Example:

‘Human intelligence’ can be defined as any of the following: A capacity measurable using mathematical and verbal

tests, such as IQ and SAT scores Ability to perform specific tasks Emotional competence when relating to other people

• Some may argue that one of the definitions is more appropriate than the others

Understanding Arguments of Definition

Arguments of definition can’t always be solved by using a dictionary Dictionary definitions can be limited in scope or

pertain only to a specific group’s usage Dictionary definitions can reflect the prejudices of

their writers

You can disagree with dictionary definitions or use them only as starting points for arguments

Kinds of Definition

Formal definitions – the technical definition found in references, such as dictionaries

Operational definitions – defining through the use of a process or set of validation tests Example: Using chromosomal tests to define a

person’s genderDefinitions by example – defining through

the use of classification and categorization, often using compare and contrast Example: Pluto is no longer classified as a planet

because it did not meet the same criteria as compared to the recognized planets

Remember

You’re entering into a definition argument when you: Formulate a controversial definition

Example: In the 21st century, what it means to be a woman has taken on a new definition. No longer a simple issue of anatomy, we now know that women aren’t always born; sometimes, boys can grow up and become women too.

Challenge a definition Example: Defining ‘woman’ based on genetics is limiting;

instead, gender should be determined by a person’s mental rather than physical state.

Try to determine whether something fits an existing definition Example: Although Geena Rocero was born a boy, she is a

woman based on her current anatomy and involvement in feminine activities, such as beauty pageants.

Seek to broaden an existing definition Example: Not all women are born with female genetic make-

up; there can be many ways to be a woman that go beyond the boundaries of genes.

Works Cited

Lunsford, Andrea A., John J. Ruszkiewicz, and Keith Walters.

Everything’s an Argument with Readings. 6th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2013. Print.