A definition may be very exact, and yet go but a very…
“A definition may be very exact, and yet go but a very little way towards informing us of the nature of the thing defined.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Exact definitions often fail to capture the true nature of what they describe.
In simple terms: Definitions can be limited.
Key Takeaway
Question the depth of definitions.
Themes
philosophy
language
epistemology
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- legal drafting
- teaching
- communication
Key Concepts
semantics
conceptual analysis
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- When does a definition become a barrier?
- How to balance precision and understanding?
A Different Perspective
Definitions may be overly rigid.