University:
California State University, Northridge
Course:
PHIL 201 | Ancient Philosophy
Academic year:

2009
Views:

445

Pages:

1
Author:

sizwakalev84

PLATO, Meno: Definition • (1) A definition is an answer to such questions as: ‘what is the nature of x?’ ‘What is virtue?’ • (2) A definition focuses upon a common nature, an eidos (72a-c) • (3) A definition states what is the same in a number of things, i.e. the definiendum. (72d) • (4) A definition seeks to define a thing by means of a unique definite description, or to understand the structure of an eidos that is common to several things. (cf. 75b and 76a) • (5) Definition seeks the single thing that runs through and is common to many particulars (74a-b). • (6) It is possible to define with respect to one thing (the idea) what it is to be one of a set of things. • (7) A common name among many things is possible only because they have a common nature, and the name refers to that common nature. • (8) Definition looks for that which is the same element common to all these things that bear a common name. (75a)

Plato, Meno: Definition