Defining Definition

buckminster--

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Interesting, no one seems to have exactly hit the nail on the head, this could almost surve as a formal measuring tool for the point of breakdown in communication. Unless every one has EXACTLY the same definition of definition, we can not even create countermeasures to ensure against confusion,and recalibrate understanding by asking what the definitions of terms are. Unless of course the case is that the level of mutual understanding is looked apon as being so messy and inefficiant
so that any change in signifier is a good one.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
this was my point. i realized it originally and yet i was urged to post a definition.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>is that the case I wonder? Does any one here actualy care if they are discussing the same thing as the other people on the board?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
yes, i care. but you and i (as well as others) know that definitions are always causing problems in such a format as a public forum. *sigh* it sucks, but its true.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>My hunch is that deep down they do not and that furthermore they would all rather talk about what they want to talk about and have it seem that they are part of a unified dialog than actualy be part of any unified dialog.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
look beyond that.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>How can one expect to find any illumination or understanding from a dialog if one can not even get a relyable signal due to lack of
cooperation?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
hmmmm. i question the 'reliableness' of a post or thread even if there were cooperation. http://www.hostboard.com/ubb/wink.gif

(skipping through your dictionary definition of the term 'defninition': )

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>2 a : a statement expressing the essential nature of something<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
this is somewhat similar to my provided definition--however, i refrained from using the word 'something' because of the ending '-thing'. it simply didn't seem whole, to me. (ooops!) http://www.hostboard.com/ubb/wink.gif
you see, buckminster, flipping through my dictionary, the definition of 'definition' is not exactly compatible to yours. for the sake of argument, i will post the entry:
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI> 1. an act of determining or settling
<LI> 2. a statement of the meaning of a word or word group: the action or process of stating such a meaning
<LI> 3. the action or the power of making definite and clear: clarity, distinction[/list]

to say:
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I have placed the dictionary's definition of definition below in the interest of premoting unity of understanding. I heartly encourage you all to go strictly and exactly by it word for word, or create a new compound term that fits your meaning if you do not agree with the
definition.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
...is (in essence) to ask for someone to flow with 'their' dictionary's definitions. to some, it would be true that creating personal definitions to words are merely subjective and on the fly...
but to others using dictionaries, it cannot apply to ask that they stand by the dictionary, that being they are all different--some more than others.

as for your question to me:
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>In reply to your earlier comment; what do you mean by meaning?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

that is just it. i cannot remove myself from the circle of 'definition' much less 'meaning'.

in short (heh heh heh), what i am saying is this:

definition is primarily what has already been posted, however, it is based on a majority agreeing to that selection. it is my understanding that those who write and review the dictionary, attempt to create finer, more calculated and trim definitions to words.
this is quickly absorbed into 'meaning'.
a definition is a words 'meaning'.
one searches a term in the dictionary--thus, this is what the word means.
somehow there is a defiant truth imposed on a word.
i am not sure if what i am posting makes any sense--nor am i sure if i have created any clarity you are seeking. http://www.hostboard.com/ubb/wink.gif
please ask for further explination.
i am sure my post needs it...but i am not so sure where. http://www.hostboard.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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~~share some greased tea with me~~
General Philosophy