2. Understanding Arguments of Definition
Definition arguments try to establish whether
someone or something belongs to a certain category
Examples:
Is a bear in the Rocky Mountains an endangered species?
Is an unsolicited kiss sexual harassment?
Is that person a man or a woman?
In order to answer each of the above questions, the definitions
of ‘endangered species,’ ‘sexual harassment,’ and ‘man/woman’
must be determined
3. Understanding Arguments of Definition
Many definitions are subject to debate and
controversy
Example:
‘Human intelligence’ can be defined as any of the following:
A capacity measurable using mathematical and verbal tests,
such as IQ and SAT scores
Ability to perform specific tasks
Emotional competence when relating to other people
• Some may argue that one of the definitions is more appropriate than
the others
4. Understanding Arguments of Definition
Arguments of definition can’t always be solved by
using a dictionary
Dictionary definitions can be limited in scope or pertain only
to a specific group’s usage
Dictionary definitions can reflect the prejudices of their writers
You can disagree with dictionary definitions or use
them only as starting points for arguments
5. Kinds of Definition
Formal definitions – the technical definition found
in references, such as dictionaries
Operational definitions – defining through the use
of a process or set of validation tests
Example: Using chromosomal tests to define a person’s
gender
Definitions by example – defining through the use
of classification and categorization, often using
compare and contrast
Example: Pluto is no longer classified as a planet because it
did not meet the same criteria as compared to the recognized
planets
6. Remember
You’re entering into a definition argument when you:
Formulate a controversial definition
Example: In the 21st
century, what it means to be a woman has
taken on a new definition. No longer a simple issue of anatomy, we
now know that women aren’t always born; sometimes, boys can
grow up and become women too.
Challenge a definition
Example: Defining ‘woman’ based on genetics is limiting; instead,
gender should be determined by a person’s mental rather than
physical state.
Try to determine whether something fits an existing definition
Example: Although Geena Rocero was born a boy, she is a woman
based on her current anatomy and involvement in feminine
activities, such as beauty pageants.
Seek to broaden an existing definition
Example: Not all women are born with female genetic make-up;
there can be many ways to be a woman that go beyond the
boundaries of genes.
7. Works Cited
Lunsford,Andrea A., John J. Ruszkiewicz, and Keith Walters.
Everything’s an Argument with Readings. 6th
ed. NewYork:
Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2013. Print.