Definition (n): the act of defining or making definite, distinct, or clear
Defining Definition Arguments
Why are definition arguments important? - Everything's an Argument pg. 252
- "They define the concepts by which we live and operate."
- What is freedom? Justice?
- "They wield the power to say what someone or something is or can be."
- Does marriage include same-sex couples?
Presenting...Project Two!
*Project Two information here*
What kinds of definition arguments are there?
How to make a definition argument
Arguments of definition arise from several kinds of disagreement:
You can formulate a definition argument by: - Everything's an Argument pg. 268
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proposing a controversial or provocative definition
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challenging an existing definition
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asking whether something fits an existing definition
Two Possible Approaches to Project Two
From all of the kinds of definitions and arguments listed above, we can distill two basic kinds of definition arguments, the categorical argument and the redefinition.
Categorical Definition
Thesis Template:
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T: term being defined
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C: category the term is being placed in (or excluded from)
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X, Y, Z, etc.: the criteria that describe category C
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T is/is not a C because X, Y, Z.
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Video games are art because they are an expression of creativity and they give players an experience they can't get any other way.
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Notice that we are really talking about the definition of art; the logic here is as follows: art can be defined as creative expression that provides unique experiences. Video games meet the criteria in that definition. Therefore, video games are art.
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In your essay, you would need to do two things:
Redefinition
Thesis Template:
- T: the term or concept being defined
- D: the common or accepted definition of the term
- N: the new definition you are proposing
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While most people think T means D, I think it means N.
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While courage is commonly associated with doing something dangerous, I think that real courage comes from defying people's expectations.
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In this kind of argument, you need to establish clear criteria for your new definition of the term.
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You'll need to support your definition with concrete examples that illustrate what the term is and what it isn't, and why. For example:
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Most people would say that firefighters are courageous for entering burning buildings; but the firefighters are simply doing their job and doing what is expected of them, so we should not consider their actions courageous.
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Whereas a student who refuses to go out with friends so that he/she can study for an exam is courageous, because he/she is defying the expectations of his/her friends
Project Two Tips for Success
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Choose an interesting term/concept/idea to define.
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Unsure as to what constitutes an interesting idea? Most controversial topics will lend themselves well to this project.
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Feel free to check out the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center for potential paper topics. The Resource Center can be accessed through the library's ENG 1020 page found here.
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OR take a term with a readily accepted definition and examine it in a new way.
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Make sure that your definition is original, thought-provoking, and controversial (i.e. make sure that you are making an argument!).
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Look at the implications/consequences of your definition.
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Choose a specific, interesting audience.
Assignment for Wednesday:
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