Full Text

circular definition


Subject Philosophy

DOI: 10.1111/b.9781405106795.2004.x


Extract

L ogic A definition is circular if its definiens has to be explained by appeal to its definiendum , or if its definiendum appears in its definiens . This is in violation of the rule in formal logic that the definiens should not contain any part of the definiendum . A more common form of circularity occurs in a set of definitions, if a term A is defined by B, and B by C, and then C by A. “If a definition contains the definiendum in the definiens, the definition is said to be circular.” Adams, The Fundamentals of General Logic ... log in or subscribe to read full text

Log In

You are not currently logged-in to Blackwell Reference Online

If your institution has a subscription, you can log in here:

 

     Forgotten your password?

Find out how to subscribe.

Your library does not have access to this title. Please contact your librarian to arrange access.

Table of Contents

The Blackwell Dictionary of Western Philosophy



[ access key 0 : accessibility information including access key list ] [ access key 1 : home page ] [ access key 2 : skip navigation ] [ access key 6 : help ] [ access key 9 : contact us ] [ access key 0 : accessibility statement ]

Blackwell Publishing Home Page

Blackwell Reference Online ® is a Blackwell Publishing Inc. registered trademark
Technology partner: Semantico Ltd.

Copyright

Blackwell Publishing and its licensors hold the copyright in all material held in Blackwell Reference Online. No material may be resold or published elsewhere without Blackwell Publishing's written consent, save as authorised by a licence with Blackwell Publishing or to the extent required by the applicable law.

Back to Top