Defining Definition

[SHATOUSHKA]

uh oh!
something tells me a double edged sword has been unsheathed.
i only say this in quick response to what my original post here would have been....

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

[zelazny]

lol
if i look at it this way: what is the A of A
it sounds a lot like an axiom

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Sure the universe is a great place, but if it wasn't here, no-one would miss it.

[Buckminster Fuller]

Ok heres the big issue, What is your definition of definition? Definitions please?

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[Buckminster Fuller]

Oooohh come on....No body has any definitions?!! Now I dont believe that for a second come on people have some balls here, DEFINE DEFINITION!!! come on your not scared of a little word are you ? Really i am being kind of goofy about it but it's a serious question, just ignore the self similarity, and recursion of it all and give me some definitions. I'll be good...probably.

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[doodoo]

Errr... well...

(*scraches head*)

(thinks:iamveryscaredbutillgiveitashot)

De..definition is... explaining... in many words... what you can say by using a single one. Hmmmm...

...yes! Definition of A is a periphrastic explanation of A that calls for other definitions in order to define the elements of the initial definition

<center>- or -</center>

a way to remind yourself that nothing exists per se.

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Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeers!

[SHATOUSHKA]

ok ok ok

i'll give you what i originally thought:

definition: words used to describe of a subject its properties; often disposed in 'meaning'



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

[Hannibal]

Definition of definition: it's just a way of elaboration about an idea, thing, or certain set of principles, so that someone unknowledgeable to the one or few word term used to describe this idea/thing/set of principles, can then become lowly knowledgeable as to what it means
Man, I'm full of... well.. yea.

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As miserable as life may be I hold it pretty precious...

If I lose the light of the sun, I will write by candlelight, moonlight, no light. If I lose paper and ink, I wil write in blood on forgotten walls. I will write always, I will capture nights all over the world and bring them to you.

[Buckminster Fuller]

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.
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?
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.
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?


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.

One last thing...What happens if one doesnt agree with the definition of definition, how does one re define it? and would one realy be re defining it since to define does not mean (to you) what it is given to mean.

Main Entry: def?i?ni?tion
Pronunciation: "de-fi-'ni-shun
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English diffinicioun, from Middle French definition, from Latin definition-, definitio, from definire

Date: 14th century

1 : an act of determining; specifically : the formal proclamation of a Roman Catholic dogma

2 a : a statement expressing the essential nature of something b : a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol <dictionary definitions> c : a
product of defining

3 : the action or process of defining

4 a : the action or the power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear <the definition of a telescope> <her comic genius is beyond definition> b (1) : clarity of
visual presentation : distinctness of outline or detail <improve the definition of an image>

(2) : clarity especially of musical sound in reproduction c : sharp demarcation of outlines
or limits <a jacket with distinct waist definition> - def?i?ni?tion?al /-'ni-sh&-n&l/ adjective

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[Buckminster Fuller]

Shatoushka,

In reply to your earlier comment; what do you mean by meaning?

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[doodoo]

Meaning of a word = its actual use within a certain context.
Significance of a word = what it represents.

(If I am wrong, you can simply ask me to shut up. But, please, don't ask me to further define what I mean by use and representation.)

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Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeers!