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This is a work in progress - all rights reserved.
Copyright © 2006-2007 Tony Giovia

 

1. A Definition of Definition

 

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

a)  An outline determines the external shape of an object. (definition)
b)  Magnitudes determine the measurable quantities of an object, relative to other magnitudes using the same standard of measurement. (definition)
c)  Architecture determines the construction, internal outlines and/or internal magnitudes of an object. (definition)
d)  A design determines the intended use of an object. (definition)

 

This book is mainly about definitions and their implications, so it is appropriate and necessary to “define” what we mean by the word definition as used in this book.

It is a given that every definition must in some way be distinct from every other definition. 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 geometries, but it guarantees consistency within any one geometry and will likely lead to crossing points among geometries.

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, same answer.

 

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