This document discusses arguments of definition and provides examples. Arguments of definition aim to establish whether something fits within a certain category by determining the relevant definitions. Definitions can be subject to debate, as seen in differing views on what constitutes human intelligence or gender. Dictionary definitions alone may not resolve definition arguments, as dictionaries can be limited or reflect biases. Definitions can be formal, operational, or established through examples and comparison. One engages in a definition argument by proposing a controversial definition, challenging an existing definition, determining if something fits a definition, or seeking to broaden a definition.

1. Arguments of Definition
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2. Understanding Arguments of Definition
Definition arguments try to establish whether
someone or something belongs to a certain category
 Examples:
 Is a bear in the Rocky Mountains an endangered species?
 Is an unsolicited kiss sexual harassment?
 Is that person a man or a woman?
 In order to answer each of the above questions, the definitions
of ‘endangered species,’ ‘sexual harassment,’ and ‘man/woman’
must be determined

3. Understanding Arguments of Definition
Many definitions are subject to debate and
controversy
 Example:
 ‘Human intelligence’ can be defined as any of the following:
 A capacity measurable using mathematical and verbal tests,
such as IQ and SAT scores
 Ability to perform specific tasks
 Emotional competence when relating to other people
• Some may argue that one of the definitions is more appropriate than
the others

4. Understanding Arguments of Definition
Arguments of definition can’t always be solved by
using a dictionary
 Dictionary definitions can be limited in scope or pertain only
to a specific group’s usage
 Dictionary definitions can reflect the prejudices of their writers
You can disagree with dictionary definitions or use
them only as starting points for arguments

5. Kinds of Definition
Formal definitions – the technical definition found
in references, such as dictionaries
Operational definitions – defining through the use
of a process or set of validation tests
 Example: Using chromosomal tests to define a person’s
gender
Definitions by example – defining through the use
of classification and categorization, often using
compare and contrast
 Example: Pluto is no longer classified as a planet because it
did not meet the same criteria as compared to the recognized
planets

6. Remember
You’re entering into a definition argument when you:
 Formulate a controversial definition
 Example: In the 21st
century, what it means to be a woman has
taken on a new definition. No longer a simple issue of anatomy, we
now know that women aren’t always born; sometimes, boys can
grow up and become women too.
 Challenge a definition
 Example: Defining ‘woman’ based on genetics is limiting; instead,
gender should be determined by a person’s mental rather than
physical state.
 Try to determine whether something fits an existing definition
 Example: Although Geena Rocero was born a boy, she is a woman
based on her current anatomy and involvement in feminine
activities, such as beauty pageants.
 Seek to broaden an existing definition
 Example: Not all women are born with female genetic make-up;
there can be many ways to be a woman that go beyond the
boundaries of genes.

7. Works Cited
Lunsford,Andrea A., John J. Ruszkiewicz, and Keith Walters.
Everything’s an Argument with Readings. 6th
ed. NewYork:
Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2013. Print.