This document discusses the importance of definitions and how they can be arguments that define concepts. It notes that definitions have the power to include or exclude things and shape understanding. The document outlines different types of definitions, such as formal definitions that classify things and operational definitions that describe what something does. It advises developing definitional arguments by formulating a claim, finding reasons to support it using a general definition, and considering alternative views. Definitional arguments should also include evidence and address implications. For academic writing, it recommends including a narrative introduction and considering audience and challenges to the argument.

1. Writing Arguments
Lunsford Ch. 9

2. Why Definitions Matter
“A term can be defined in many ways –By what it is, by what
it isn’t, by what it includes, by specific examples, by what
authorities observe, and by feelings.” (i.e. What is hooking
up to you?)
“Definitions matter because they are, in fact, arguments that
define the concepts by which we live and operate.” [i.e. third
world vs. global south/ refugee vs. evacuee/ activism vs.
terrorism]
Definitions wield the power to say what someone or
something is or isn’t. They have the power to include or
exclude. [Fit vs. unfit/ intelligent (life) vs. machine/ adult vs.
minor/ stealing vs. appropriating/ public vs. private]

3. The problem of Dictionaries
The definitions in a dictionary are molded by the way a
particular group of people use words at a specified time
and place.
Similarly, history books and religious texts are also
molded by politics, culture, language, and time.
“There is no such thing as history only histories.” –
Kermode
[Dictionaries (like Wikipedia) can be used as starting
Points]

4. Patriotism

6. Types of Definitions
Formal Definitions: place terms in its proper “genus”
and “species” (what it is and isn’t in the simplest of
terms)
Operational Definitions: What something does or by
what conditions create it. [i.e. harassment requires
unwanted, unsolicited, and repeated behavior]
Conditions create controversy/ ambiguity (i.e. Can
someone who is paid for their community service still be
called a volunteer?)
Definitions by Example: Defining class by listing
constituents/members (i.e. Which movies or songs are
considered classic? What is considered literature? What
is genre writing?)

7. Developing Definitional Arguments
Formulating Claims: A declarative statement that
represents your first response to a situation/idea.
Claims of Definitions may sound like:
A Person paid to do public service is not a volunteer
A municipal fee is often the same as a tax
Napoleon Dynamite is one of many independent films to
achieve cult status
“Finding good reasons to support of claim of definition
usually requires formulating a general definition by
which to explore the subject.”

8. Crafting Definitions
Someone paid to do public service is not a volunteer
because volunteers are people who . . . ???
Toulmin Strategy:
Claim: Participants in Americorps aren’t volunteers
Reason: . . . Because they are paid for their service.
Warrant: People who are compensated for their services
are, ordinarily, employees
Every part of your definition must be weighed.
Does your subject fit your general definitions in terms of:
being a clear example of a class, being outside of a defined
class, falling btw. classes, or defying classes?

9. Parts of the Definitional Arguments
A narrative/scene demonstrating your claim/introducing
why an argument of definition is pertinent (for this class)
A claim involving a question of a definition (your thesis)
A general definition
A careful look at your subject in terms of that general
definition
Evidence for every part of the argument (your claim)
A consideration of alternative views and counterarguments
A conclusion drawing out the implications of your argument

10. For your Unit 2 Assignment
Step 1: Proposal (See 268 – 273 w/ special attention to 270)
State your thesis completely.
Explain why this argument deserves attention.
Who is your audience and why should they care?
Possible challenges?
Step 2: Demonstrative Narrative/Scene
*The format for this paper will be a combination of a
narrative/story and a formal paper.
* In forming your proposal, first attempt to formulate a
controversial definition, challenge a definition, or determine
if something fits into an existing definition. This will help
you explore your overall topic before developing a claim.