Expression Quote by Willard Van Orman Quine
“To define an expression is, paradoxically speaking, to explain how to get along without it. To define is to eliminate.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Word and Object, 1960
Defining a concept paradoxically removes its necessity, as definition eliminates the need for the expression itself.
In simple terms: Defining something can make it unnecessary.
Key Takeaway
Question whether definitions limit understanding.
Themes
philosophy
language
logic
semantics
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inquisitive
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- teaching
- writing
Key Concepts
definition paradox
meaning theory
analytic philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a definition ever fully capture a concept?
- Does defining limit creative thought?
![“Some have said that the thesis [of indeterminacy] is a consequence of my behaviorism. Some have said that it is a reductio ad absurdum of my behaviorism. I disagree with this second point, but I agree with the first. I hold further that the behaviorism approach is mandatory. In psychology one may…” quote by Willard Van Orman Quine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3e0/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_ads_some-have-said-that-the-thesis-of-indete_315688.jpg)
