What is an Argument by Definition?

S2-SA5-0212

Grade Level:

Class 7

NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication

Definition

What is it?

An 'Argument by Definition' is a type of argument where you prove something by showing that it perfectly fits (or doesn't fit) the established meaning or definition of a word or concept. You use a clear definition as your main evidence to support your claim.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine your school has a rule: 'A sport is an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others.' If someone argues that 'Chess is a sport,' you can use this definition. You'd check if chess involves physical exertion and direct competition in the same way. If not, then by definition, it's not a sport.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's say your housing society has a rule: 'A 'vehicle' is defined as any machine that transports people or goods on land, excluding bicycles and wheelchairs.' Your friend parks their new electric scooter inside the building.

STEP 1: Identify the claim. The claim is: 'The electric scooter should be allowed inside the building.'
---STEP 2: Identify the key term to define. The key term is 'electric scooter' in relation to 'vehicle'.
---STEP 3: State the official definition. 'A 'vehicle' is defined as any machine that transports people or goods on land, excluding bicycles and wheelchairs.'
---STEP 4: Compare the item to the definition. An electric scooter is a machine that transports people on land. It is not a bicycle or a wheelchair.
---STEP 5: Formulate the argument. Since an electric scooter fits the definition of a 'vehicle' (it's a machine, transports people, on land, and isn't excluded), then it should follow the rules for vehicles.
---STEP 6: Conclude. Therefore, if vehicles are not allowed inside the building, the electric scooter should also not be allowed inside, based on the society's definition of a vehicle.

Why It Matters

Understanding arguments by definition is crucial for clear thinking and communication. Lawyers use them to interpret laws, scientists use them to classify discoveries, and journalists use them to explain complex issues accurately. It helps you build strong cases and understand debates better.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Using a personal or informal definition of a word. | CORRECTION: Always use an officially accepted, dictionary, or agreed-upon definition to make your argument strong and fair.

MISTAKE: Focusing on examples that don't directly match the definition's criteria. | CORRECTION: Break down the definition into its key parts and check if your subject meets ALL those parts, not just some.

MISTAKE: Assuming everyone agrees with your chosen definition without stating it. | CORRECTION: Clearly state the definition you are using at the beginning of your argument so everyone understands your basis.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: Your school defines 'homework' as 'tasks assigned by teachers to be completed outside of class time, contributing to learning and assessment.' Is reading a storybook for pleasure considered homework by this definition? | ANSWER: No, reading a storybook for pleasure is not homework by this definition because it is not 'assigned by teachers' and may not directly 'contribute to assessment', even if it helps learning.

QUESTION: A 'citizen' is defined as 'a legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth, either native or naturalized.' If your friend was born in India and their parents are Indian, are they a citizen according to this definition? | ANSWER: Yes, your friend is a citizen because they are a legally recognized national of India, born there, fitting the 'native' part of the definition.

QUESTION: A 'fruit' is botanically defined as 'the mature ovary of a flowering plant, enclosing the seed or seeds.' Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable by this definition? Justify your answer. | ANSWER: By this definition, a tomato is a fruit. This is because it is the mature ovary of a flowering plant and contains seeds, fitting the botanical definition of a fruit, even though it's often used as a vegetable in cooking.

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of the following best describes an 'Argument by Definition'?

An argument that uses personal feelings to prove a point.

An argument that relies on a commonly accepted or established meaning of a word or concept.

An argument that tries to guess what someone else is thinking.

An argument that only uses numbers and statistics.

The Correct Answer Is:

Option B correctly states that an argument by definition relies on an established meaning. Options A, C, and D describe other types of arguments or incorrect approaches.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

When you buy a mobile phone, its 'warranty' is defined by specific terms and conditions. If your phone breaks, the service centre will check if the damage falls under the 'manufacturing defect' definition mentioned in your warranty document. If it does, they'll fix it for free; if not, you pay. This is a real-life application of an argument by definition.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

DEFINITION: A precise statement of the meaning of a word or concept. | CLAIM: A statement that you want to prove or argue for. | CRITERIA: The standards or rules by which something is judged or defined. | EVIDENCE: Facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Now that you understand arguments by definition, you can explore 'Arguments by Analogy.' This will teach you how to make a point by comparing two different things that share similar features, building on your ability to use clear reasoning.