Crossfire: Fundamentals of Reasoning

Define

denotation
connotation
vague
ambiguous
overgeneral
euphemism
synonym
etymological
lexical
stipulative

Be able to identify and give an example of:

a stipulative definition
a persuasive definition
a lexical definition
a precising definition

an ostensive definitions
an enumarative definition
an etymological definition
a definition using a synonym

a figurative defintion
a slanted definition
an obscure definition
a circular definition

• language being used euphemistically in a given text


• language being used in a politically correct way in a given text


• language being used too broadly, too narrowly, obscurely, circularly, without proper context, or in a slanted fashion.

Explain

• the difference between a verbal and factual dispute


• the difference between conveying information and appealing to feelings


• how euphemisms can be used to alter or obscure the meaning of a passage

Know
The ways you should use language (words, concepts)

• avoid making definitions too broad or narrow;


• convey the essential meaning of the word being defined;
  provide a context for ambiguous words;


• avoid slanted definitions;


• avoid figurative definitions;


• avoid needlessly obscure definitions;


• avoid circular definitions.