Defined Quote by Henri Poincare
“What is a good definition? For the philosopher or the scientist, it is a definition which applies to all the objects to be defined, and applies only to them; it is that which satisfies the rules of logic. But in education it is not that; it is one that can be understood by the pupils.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Science and Method, Henri Poincaré, 1908
A definition must be universally applicable and logically consistent, yet in teaching it must also be understandable to learners.
In simple terms: Definitions need logical rigor and pedagogical clarity.
Key Takeaway
Craft definitions that are both precise and accessible.
Themes
education
logic
communication
pedagogy
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
instructional
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching
- curriculum design
- scientific writing
- philosophy of science
Key Concepts
definition theory
epistemology
learning theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you simplify without losing meaning?
- When is precision more important than clarity?
A Different Perspective
Complex concepts may resist simple explanations.
![“The self is defined psychologically as the psychic totality of the individual. Anything that a [person] postulates as being a greater totality than [oneself] can become a symbol of the self. For this reason the symbol of the self is not always as total as the definition would require.” quote by Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/251/carl-jung-274_defined_the-self-is-defined-psychologically-as-t_7148.jpg)
