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This is a work in progress - all rights reserved.
Copyright © 2006-2011 Anthony Giovia

 

CHAPTER 2 - A Definition of Definition

SECTION A

2.1 - The act of Determination is the act of definition. (Definition)

2.2 - A Definition determines the outline, and/or magnitude, and/or architecture and/or design of an object, such that any definition is distinct and unique from every other definition. (Definition)

2.2a - An Outline determines the external boundaries of an object. (Definition)
2.2b - Magnitudes determine the measurable quantities of an object, relative to other magnitudes using the same standard of measurement. (Definition)
2.2c - Architecture determines the composition of an object within its external and internal boundaries. (Definition)
2.2d - A Design determines the function of an object. (Definition)

2.3 - Any definition is distinct and unique from every other definition. (Construction)

2.4 – Any object can be defined by its outline, and/or its magnitudes, and/or its architecture, and/or its design. (Construction)

2.5 - Any object can be completely defined by its outline, magnitudes, architecture and design. (Construction)

SECTION B

2.6 - An object is any aspect of the Universe detectable by the human physical senses of touch, and/or sight, and/or smell, and/or taste, and/or hearing. (1.9)

2.7 - An object detectable by the human physical senses of touch, and/or sight, and/or smell, and/or taste, and/or hearing exists in this Universe. (1.10)

2.8 - A defined object is detectable by the human physical senses of touch, and/or sight, and/or smell, and/or taste, and/or hearing. (Construction)

2.9 - A defined object exists in this Universe. (Construction)

2.10 - Outlines, magnitudes, architectures and designs are detectable by human physical senses. (Construction)

2.11 - Outlines, magnitudes, architectures and designs exist in this Universe. (Construction)

2.12 - Outlines, magnitudes, architectures and designs are defined objects. (Construction)

2.13 – A defined object is composed of defined objects. (Construction)

2.14 – Defined objects are components of definitions. (Construction)

2.15 - Outlines, magnitudes, architectures and designs are defined components of objects. (Construction)

2.16 - Definitions are composed of defined objects. (Construction)

 

The Geometry of Ideas is mainly about definitions and their implications, so it is appropriate and necessary to “define” what we mean by the word definition.

It is a given that every definition must in some way be distinct from every other definition. By "distinct" we mean discernable - the definition must be sufficiently illuminated from its surroundings to permit the act of determination.

There are many ways to combine definitions, and differences can be subtle, but they must all be unique in their totality from every other definition. To assure the uniqueness of definitions the terms used in a definition must be unambiguous. There also must be a sense of completeness – when a term is defined, it must be circumscribed to the point where it is clearly understandable as unique.

The “obstacles” of ambiguity and completeness may at first seem intimidating, but both actually present a low threshold, because both have a clear limit – simply, at the point of uniqueness the definition is complete. Using “uniqueness” as our delimiter will lead to different levels of the same geometry, but it guarantees consistency within any one geometry and will certainly lead to crossing points among geometries.

Initially, the lack of standardized definitions due to cultural differences and reasoning abilities will result in multiple geometries. But it is the nature of scientific inquiry to evolve a common language, and conflicting definitions will present opportunities for more precise definitions.

Ascribing properties like outlines, magnitudes, architectures and designs to the definition process may seem unusual, but I hope to make these applications clear in the next few chapters. For those thinking on their own, and wondering how a definition of an “object” applies to the definition of an idea, I offer the same answer.

 

 

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