My own little corner of the Intertubes is supposed to be about explaining things, so why not get right down to explaining how to explain things?

Before we go any further, though, we have to get down to definitions. And trying to define ‘define’ can send you thinking in circles if you aren’t careful:

• Reference.com: to state or set forth the meaning of
• Merriam-Webster: to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of
• YourDictionary.com: To describe the nature or basic qualities of; explain
• Encarta (MSN): to state or describe something exactly
• theFreeDictionary.com: to state or describe something exactly

In comparing the above concepts, I think we can drill down to a couple of key points. ‘Defining’ something:

1. is a conscious, willful act.
2. is exact.
3. captures essence.

Definitions are an important first step in just about any process. The vast majority of arguments (internet or otherwise) get ugly at the definition phase, and need go no further. If you can’t agree on terms, you can’t even agree to disagree. Yet somehow, most of our educational systems are geared more toward definition instead of cognition, or understanding. Maybe it’s just a function of easier testing, but too many people believe that learning begins and ends with the definitions.

So let me re-wire the way you think about definitions, with an analogy.

A definition is a circle… [Read more...]