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The argument from dictionary
The argument from a dictionary is a logical fallacy and happens when someone's argument is based, in a problematic way, on the definition of a particular term as it appears in a dictionary. The problem with these arguments:
- Dictionaries are descriptive, meaning that they attempt to describe how people use the language. It is not prescriptive in that it instructs them how to do so in a definitive manner.
- Dictionaries don't always reflect the meaning of words as they're used by people.
- Different dictionaries can list different definitions for a given term, and may even have several definitions for the same word.
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An example of the appeal to definition
"We should ignore the theory of evolution because the dictionary says that a theory is just an opinion that you have about something you can't prove."
The person using this fallacy is basing their statement on a specific definition of the word "theory" while ignoring alternative definitions that will better capture the meaning of the term as it's used in a scientific context.
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Appeal to definition: when the process becomes fallacious
Not every use of a definition is necessarily fallacious. If the definition is properly justified and is selected in a properly justified way, it is generally not fallacious. However, it is fallacious when at least one of the following conditions are true:
- There is no valid reason for using the definition.
- The definition was cherry-picked out of a range of possible definitions.
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Responding to an appeal to definition
When responding to appeals to definition, it is useful to know the terms denotation, which is the literal meaning of a word, and connotation, which is a feeling the word evokes beyond its denotation.
- Explain why the use of the definition is inappropriate in this case.
- Explain why the proposed definition is flawed. Other dictionaries may offer different meanings than the one your opponent has chosen.
- You can sometimes benefit from using specific and relevant examples to show why such arguments are problematic.
- You can ask the person using the fallacy to correctly justify their reasoning in light of your criticism.
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Modern dictionaries
The structure and use of dictionaries have changed as new technologies developed.
- Easily available online dictionaries make it easier for people to use and cherry-pick preferred definitions in their arguments.
- Dictionaries can be quickly updated with new words or new meanings of existing words.
- Dictionaries are able to list a wider range of meanings and connotations.
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Types of definitions
- Reportive definitions aim to accurately capture the meaning of a term as it's ordinarily used.
- Precising definitions add relevant criteria to a reportive definition to make it more precise for a specific purpose.
- Stipulative definitions are used to establish a specific purpose. For example, "for the purpose of the present document, the term 'contract' means..."
- A persuasive definition is a stipulative definition that is dressed up as a reportive definition or as a claim in an argument. The terms are redefined to present one's preferred definitions as facts.
- Ostensive definitions are based on examples of the word that is being described. For example, "liquid" could be "things like water and oil."
- Misleading definitions relies on misleading language so that its intended meaning is different than the meaning that most people will use.
- Operational definitions are used to define certain measures where an exact, reproducible definition is needed, such as in scientific studies.
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