date

17 Aug. 1814 Logic Ch Clearness
17 Aug. 1814

Logic

Ch Clearness Exposition

'.4.2 Definition etc.

The genus represented by a word which is the name of that aggregate, in which all the other aggregates of the nest to which it belongs are contained and included, has no genus which is superior to it; it is, therefore, in its nature incapable of receiving a definition; meaning always that mode of exposition which, in modern practice, seems to be universally understood by that name.

Meantime the class of words which are in this sense of the word incapable of receiving exposition in that shape are among those, in the instance of which the demand for exposition is the most imperious. For these then that mode of exposition is necessary to which, by the description of succedaneous modes of exposition, reference has just been made, and of which an account will presently be endeavoured to be rendered.

Yet of these words which are all of them incapable of receiving a definition, in effect definitions are very generally, not to say universally wont to be given with a degree of unconcern and confidence, not inferior to that with which the operation is attended, when the subject upon which it is performed, is with the strictest propriety susceptible of operation in that shape /mode/. Of the sort of shape in which these abstruse examples shew themselves /make their appearance/ an account will be given presently.

139
Similar Items
  • Title: [16 Aug. 1814 Logic Ch. Clearness]
    Description: 16 Aug. 1814

    Logic

    Ch. Clearness. Exposition

    '. 4.2. definition etc.

    8

    1

    '.4. Modes of Exposition where the subject is a class.

    C.7. '.6.

    1. Definition, meaning the sort of operation and correspondent work ordinarily understood by that name. 2. Operations and works incidentally employed as preliminary and preparatory to that of definition, say preparatory operations. 3. Operations incidentally employed as subsequential and supplementary to that of definition, say supplementary operations. 4. Operations which, in certain cases in which the purpose cannot be accomplished by definition - understand by definition in that same form, require to be performed in lieu of it, - say succedaneous operations. By one or other of these subordinate appellations may the operation of exposition, in every shape of which it is susceptible, it is believed, be designated.

    137
  • Title: [17 Aug. 1814 Logic Ch. Clearness]
    Description: 17 Aug. 1814

    Logic

    Ch. Clearness Exposition

    '. Definition etc.

    9

    2

    To define a word is to give indication of some aggregate in which the object of which it is the sign is comprehended, together with an indication of some quality or property which is possessed by that same object, but is not possessed by any other object included in that same aggregate.

    Elliptically, but more familiarly, to define a word is to expound it by indication of the genus and the difference - per genus et differentiam, say the Aristotelians.

    In this account of the matter, two things, it may be observed, are, howsoever inexplicitly, assumed, viz. 1. That the object in question belongs to some nest of aggregates. 2. That it is not itself the highest, the most capacious, the all-comprehending aggregate of the nest: in other terms, that the word is not of the number of those the import of which is not included in the import of any other of the words employed in giving names to aggregates; that it belongs to some nest of aggregates, and that it

    is not itself the most comprehensive and all-comprehensive aggregate of the nest.

    138
  • Title: [10 Aug. 1814 Logic Ch. │ │]
    Description: 10 Aug. 1814

    Logic

    Ch. │ │ Methodization

    '. │ │ Subalternation Scale?

    6

    Thus intimately connected are the three logical operations subservient to instructive intercourse - viz. aggregative arrangements, division, and definition. Without previous aggregate arrangement, there would be nothing to divide. Without division there could be no definition: at least no definition in which the genus or aggregate, referred to and employed for the purpose of explanation or instruction, were any other than of any less dimensions than the genus generalissimum - the box in which all the other boxes belonging to that nest were included.

    309