BFBL logo
WHERE TO FIND & ENJOY THE LOCAL FOODS OF CALIFORNIA
A project of CAFF
Definition
A definition is a statement of the meaning of a term (a word, phrase, or other set of symbols). Definitions can be classified into two large categories, intensional definitions (which try to give the essence of a term) and extensional definitions (which proceed by listing the objects that a term describes). Another important category of definitions is the class of ostensive definitions, which convey the meaning of a term by pointing out examples. A term may have many different senses and multiple meanings, and thus require multiple definitions.
An intensional definition, also called a connotative definition, specifies the necessary and sufficient conditions for a thing being a member of a specific set. Any definition that attempts to set out the essence of something, such as that by genus and differentia, is an intensional definition.
An extensional definition, also called a denotative definition, of a concept or term specifies its extension. It is a list naming every object that is a member of a specific set.
Thus, the "seven deadly sins" can be defined intensionally as those singled out by Pope Gregory I as particularly destructive of the life of grace and charity within a person, thus creating the threat of eternal damnation. An extensional definition would be the list of wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony. In contrast, while an intensional definition of "Prime Minister" might be "the most senior minister of a cabinet in the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system", an extensional definition is not possible since it is not known who future prime ministers will be.
Divisio and partitio are classical terms for definitions. A partitio is simply an intensional definition. A divisio is not an extensional definition, but an exhaustive list of subsets of a set, in the sense that every member of the "divided" set is a member of one of the subsets. An extreme form of divisio lists all sets whose only member is a member of the "divided" set. The difference between this and an extensional definition is that extensional definitions list members, and not subsets.
s


Search for local foods
ENTER ZIP CODE:
SEARCH WITHIN: miles
{ advanced search }  
Be a proud supporter
make a donation and support BFBL efforts in your area { more }
Sign up for our newsletter
Email:
bottom
s s s
PARTNER LOG IN    USERNAME :    PASSWORD :
© 2007 - 2019 CAFF| Site Map | Terms of Use Follow us on Twitter Join Us on Facebook!    

Nero marquina kitchen marble slab countertopscolumbia.com.
Buy Fresh Buy Local - food is an imporntant!