Clarification please. How do you avoid this supposed vacuity applying to basically all definitions? Taking a quick definition from a Google Search:
A: “I define a cat as a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws.”
B: “Yes, but is that a cat?”
Which could eventually lead back to A saying that:
A: “Yes you’ve said all these things, but it basically comes back to the claim a cat is a cat.”
Definitions are at best a record of usage. Usage can be broadened to include social practices such as reward and punishment. And the jails are full of people who commit theft (selfishness) , rape (ditto), etc. And the medals and plaudits go to the brave (altruism), the generous (ditto), etc.
Clarification please. How do you avoid this supposed vacuity applying to basically all definitions? Taking a quick definition from a Google Search: A: “I define a cat as a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws.” B: “Yes, but is that a cat?”
Which could eventually lead back to A saying that:
A: “Yes you’ve said all these things, but it basically comes back to the claim a cat is a cat.”
Definitions are at best a record of usage. Usage can be broadened to include social practices such as reward and punishment. And the jails are full of people who commit theft (selfishness) , rape (ditto), etc. And the medals and plaudits go to the brave (altruism), the generous (ditto), etc.