Argument of Definition

Introduction

In a world increasingly shaped by narratives, the way one defines concepts holds immense power. An argument of definition serves as a vital tool for challenging and reshaping flawed interpretations that fuel misinformation. By interrogating and refining the meanings of key terms, this approach allows to uncover the biases, misconceptions, or manipulations embedded in language. The significance lies not just in clarifying words but in addressing the societal implications of those definitions, particularly when used to distort public understanding. Televised media and widespread news sources, often guilty of perpetuating disinformation, illustrate the urgent need to employ arguments of definition to combat false narratives and reclaim accurate discourse. Definitions are not static; they evolve with context and are often contested, particularly in areas where they carry societal, political, or cultural significance. This fluidity can lead to both opportunities for progress and dangers of distortion. An argument of definition is necessary to safeguard against the latter. When terms are left unchecked, their meanings can be co-opted or altered to reinforce false narratives, perpetuate misinformation, or uphold inequities. By questioning the established definitions of critical concepts, the argument of definition provides a pathway for correcting misconceptions and emplacing informed debates.

Definition

An argument of definition is a type of argument that focuses on analyzing a concept or term and argues that the concept or term should be defined in a certain way, based on various examples and ideas.

(Lorenzen)

Different Definition Types

Type 1: Stipulative Definition Argument

This type of argument uses a new or specific definition for a term, usually to clarify a complicated or ambiguous situation, essentially saying “in use to support the main argument, we will define ‘X’ as...”

· Claim: “For the purpose of this argument, ‘success’ will be defined as achieving personal goal despite any financial affects, so wealth can not only be considered when examining successful people.”

· Explanation: The speaker uses stipulative definitions to clarify the discussion and avoid misinterpretation by creating clear boundaries for the meaning of the term within the argument.

Type 2: Persuasive Definition Argument

This type of argument convinces the reader that a certain definition of a term is the most accurate, most often by presenting reasoning and evidence to support their interpretation. For instance, Context: A debate about taxation.

· Claim: "Taxation is theft."

· Explanation: The speaker is redefining "taxation" as "theft" to evoke a negative emotional response. By calling taxation "theft," they imply taxation is inherently immoral and unjust, framing taxation as the government forcibly taking property without consent.

· Counterargument: Someone opposing this view might point out that taxation is not theft because taxation is a legally mandated system agreed upon by society to fund public goods and services. The persuasive definition fails to capture the broader social agreement and purpose of taxation.

Type 3: Lexical Definition Argument

This type of argument relies on the standard dictionary definition of a term, asserting that the universal understanding of a word should guide the interpretation.

· Claim: “Hate speech” in a legal debate.

· Explanation: An attorney arguing a specific statement should be deciphered as “hate speech” because the statement clearly instigates violence or harm against a group based on the commonly understood definition of the phrase.

Writing an Argument of Definition

“Many arguments begin with disagreements about how we define a term or concept” (Shick and Shubert 136).

1. Determine which type of definition you are choosing to argue.

2. Analyze the definition of the term along with the context in which the term can be applied. Include the definition in a broader context as well.

3. Structure of an Argument of Definition Essay

a. Introduction Paragraph

i. Provide a strong introduction that clearly defines the claim and includes any crucial definitions of terms.

ii. The addition of historical and current context can strengthen the understanding of the argument.

iii. Deliver a clear thesis including specific ideas that will support the argument.

b. Body Paragraphs

i. The topic sentence introduces each paragraph topic.

ii. Clear and accurate definitions and language that is relevant to the topic.

iii. Relevant evidence with correct citations must be included and used to expand the line of reasoning.

iv. Use evidence as a catalyst for discussion that supports the argument.

v. Each body paragraph should have a minimum of 2-3 pieces of evidence.

vi. Discuss potential counterarguments and use them to strengthen the argument presented.

c. Conclusion Paragraph

i. Readdress the thesis statement to contextualize the content being concluded.

ii. Discussing the potential implications of the issue addressed may strengthen the conclusion if applicable.

iii. Reconnect to the specific topics used to support the argument.

4. Errors to Avoid

a. Using the dictionary definition does not help the reader

b. Contractions like “don’t,” “can’t,” etc.

c. Vague language or “zombie phrases” (Hamilton),

i. Be clear and concise when writing.

ii. “Vaguely defined terms can cause arguments to stall,” (Shick and Shubert 137).

d. Personal pronouns like “I,” “we,” “our,” etc., should not be included in scholarly writing.

Examples

Example: The “Bad Life” and “Ungrievables”

• Persuasive Definition Argument

Judith Butler’s definitions of the “bad life” and “ungrievable” challenge common ideas about the value of human life, persuading the reader to reconsider who society deems worthy of grieving for. Butler defines the “bad life” as a someone who lacks accessibility to social media and other resources (213). Butler continues, “if it turns out that I have no certainty that I will have food or shelter, or that no social network or institution would catch me if I fall, then I come to belong to the ungrievable” (197). In this excerpt, the term “ungrievable” is not meant to suggest that this group of people do not have value, but rather that society, due to the media, policies, and cultural shifts, has dehumanized these people to the extent that their deaths and pain are ignored.

Example: Plurality

• Stipulative Definition Argument

Resistance is the act of defying something. So, plural resistance is when a large group, rather than individuals, defy those in power to help themselves or another group. Judith Butler argues that “if resistance is to enact the very principles of democracy for which it struggles, then resistance has to be plural, and it has to be embodied” (217). This can be seen in an excerpt from a student example essay that shows why plurality is important in Afghan women in education: “This plural resistance that Butler refers to is crucial for the Afghanistan women in education movement. Power exists in numbers, and this is what plurality is at the core. Afghan women need external support, and many university professors and male university students did just that. Social media posts showed multiple classes full of male students walking out of their exams, protesting the exclusion of women from their schools (Afghan Peace Watch). This kind of support shows the Taliban and the rest of the world that women are wanted and needed in education” (Citation). Plurality is essential to have a successful act of resistance.

(Wiskar)

Example: Arguing the Definition of Clean Meat

• Stipulative Definition Argument

The term ‘meat’ is defined as the flesh of an animal. An alternative that is rising in popularity is called ‘clean meat.’ Otherwise known as lab grown meat, is made by growing stem cells from an animal to produce muscle tissue. Lab grown meat looks like meat, tastes like meat, but many consider not to be meat. Although looking and tasting like meat, clean meat is not truly meat. Defining lab grown cells as clean meat can damage the American beef industry. Using the term clean can be seen as misleading, presenting the meat that ranchers produce as unclean. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates meat production and ensures the meat's safety for consumption, but they do not currently regulate clean meat. This is because of hesitations from the public and politicians alike, as they do not see lab grown meat as real meat, but rather an artificial substitute.

Example: Arguing the Definition of Embryos

• Persuasive Definition Argument

Defining human life is one of the most essential points within the argument for reproductive rights for women. The inquiry lies in the question of whether embryos

The argument around abortion policy will not end until the definition of human life is determined. One of the questions causing the abortion policy debate is whether an embryo should be regarded as a human life or not? One side says the embryo is a life, while the other says that an embryo scientifically does not constitute a life. A conclusion can be drawn by determining the difference between cell types, which comes from the molecular composition and the behavior of the cells (Condic np). For a human embryo, the cells are structured similar to a human being, but an embryo behaves as an organism, where all functions of a person are done within the embryo. Whereas a “human being is composed of human parts” (Condic np), like cells, RNA and proteins. By an embryo being an organism and a human being a collection of cells, an embryo is not a human being, or a human life.

(Pixabay)

Example: Zombie Phrases

• Stipulative Definition Argument

In Haitian folklore, “The ‘Zombi’” is “a person whose soul was stolen after death and body made to work endlessly. The Zombi represented the Haitian experience of slavery in the 19th century,” (13). Dr. Scott Hamilton uses this as inspiration for the definition of zombie phrases. Similar to the Zombi, zombie phrases are words or phrases “that diminishes agency from a sentence,” (16). When agency is removed from a sentence, the meaning and intent behind the sentence is removed as well.

(Unsplash)

Student Example: Argument of Definition Thesis

The concept of femininity has been misused by our current society to oppress and belittle women when the concept was meant to empower women and promote healthy thoughts about women. Presently society has fluctuating beauty standards and rigid stereotypes for women to adhere to, creating difficulty for creating a welcoming community catering to all women under the umbrella of femininity. Femininity is defined as something that adheres or is associated with women. However, people repeatedly sexualize women, thinking of women as inferior to men. This style of thinking has been portrayed in the backlash witnessed when Harry Styles wore a dress on the cover of Vogue. Candace Owen’s, a political activist, commented on her twitter that our society will not be able to continue without “strong men” and that the promotion of femininity in men has stunted societies inclusion of “Manly men” in retaliation of harry styles display of femininity in the Magazine (@RealCadenceO). Owen’s commentary displays society's rigid marginalization towards women and the concept of femininity, associated with being feminine to being weak and unable to facilitate a healthy society. However, women have been and continue to stimulate society by being successful business women, sustaining households and raising children, and completing tasks that men also do whilst simultaneously conveying their femininity through their actions and identity. This misunderstanding of feminism will continue to create an oppressive environment where all genders, excluding men, are belittled and undervalued for doing similar work that men do. This essay will present the argument that by reevaluating the concept of femininity, society can work towards empowering women and creating an inclusive environment where all genders can prosper.

*The reader must recognize that the argument is not solely about the definition of femininity, however femininity is a key aspect in the larger argument in order to make the thesis more understandable.

* Remember that the thesis here is the required phrasing and must be presented exactly to receive the full credit.