Definition Arguments

Definition is generally understood as explaining a key term. When you look a word up in the dictionary, you are attempting to understand what is commonly understood by that word. Usually, when you have looked the word up, you have encountered it in a piece of writing, for example. In order for you to understand what the piece of writing is attempting to say, you need to know what the specific term means.

Often, however, a dictionary definition is not sufficient. Some terms, or more often, concepts donÕt have a single definition. In arguments, the writer may have a concept in mind which mind may involve different ÒconnotationsÓ from her/his readersÕ connotation of the concept. In these cases, the argument depends on the writerÕs ability to clarify their definition of the concept and to demonstrate to the reader why that definition is valid.

The Claim Structure
When you claim a definition for a term or concept, your argument looks something like:

X is or is not Y X (the concept you are defining) is (or is not) a Y (the definition or alternate term by which your reader is to understand the concept).

The Argument Structure
Your argument then will explain the reasons and logic behind such a claim. The argument would look something like the following outline:
Claim: X is a Y
Reason: because it possesses features A, B, C
Evidence: evidence that X has those features A, B, and C
Warrant (may need prove): these features are sufficient to claim that X is a Y
Possible Refutations:

X does not have those features (or not sufficient quantities)
Those features do not constitute a Y

Criteria and Match
The argument, therefore, depends on criteria of a definition and match of features to prove that the concept meets those criteria. This means first you have to establish the criteria for Y and then give evidence that X meets that criteria.

Evaluative Definitions
If your definition includes an evaluative judgment, the claim looks like:
X is or is not a good (or bad) Y

The same guidelines work in this case, except now you have to also demonstrate or convince your reader that the value judgment you have placed in the term ÒgoodÓ or ÒbadÓ are valid. This is more difficult in that our values are not as stable as we often think. We have to keep an open mind and be prepared to address the fact that we consider ÒbadÓ, another person may not automatically agree. This is a matter of considering your audience, using common sense, and providing examples and evidence to convince your reader to see your definition as valid.

Your Writing Assignment
Your first writing assignment requires you to define Òfamily valuesÓ or family function in community. You are perhaps already aware that ÒfamilyÓ means different things to different people. Your readings show different types of families. The difference may be immediate and extended families, time spent together, ways familyÕs support each other (emotionally or financially), single-parent and dual parent families, material means. Can a person with little financial means still provide an acceptable family? Is material support what defines family? Can family be non-blood related people? Can a support organization substitute for a family?

Your answers to these questions may indicate what you think are the most important elements of a family. A definitional claim for this assignment might be:
A ÒfamilyÓ is whatever teaches an individual their own strength and identity.
You would need to explain Òstrength and identityÓ and convince your reader that these concepts are important. Then you would need to explain how a family teaches an individual these things, and you would want to demonstrate that perhaps individuals learn this from ÒfamilyÓ which does not necessarily fit the traditional denotation of Òfamily.Ó

You definitely need to consider what the denotation of family is (mom, dad, kids...). Your definition may be very close to the denotation, or it may be different from that definition.

Finally, consider WHY are you making this claim? What does your reader care what your definition of family is? Why might it be important for your reader to agree with this point of definition. For more information on purpose, see the strategy explanation of Rhetorical Context.