What Abstract Terms Should Be Defined in a New Philosophy Encyclopedia?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying abstract terms from philosophy that require better definitions for inclusion in a proposed Encyclopedia of Abstract Terms. Participants suggest various philosophical concepts and engage in a light-hearted exchange about definitions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests "miracle" as a term needing definition and requests an explanation.
  • Another participant questions the meaning of "question."
  • Further inquiries include "what is truth?" and "what is what?" indicating a search for clarity on fundamental concepts.
  • A list of terms including "Truth," "Understanding," "Reason," and "Experience" is proposed by a participant as needing definition.
  • Some participants humorously engage with the idea of defining terms in three words, with playful responses like "Not Quite Four."
  • References to the "Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy" are made, with one participant noting its helpfulness in their research for a philosophy book.
  • Terms such as "Good," "Evil," and "Republicans" are also mentioned, suggesting a broader range of abstract concepts under consideration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on which specific terms should be defined, as multiple suggestions are made without agreement on their necessity or priority.

Contextual Notes

Some terms proposed may depend on varying interpretations or philosophical frameworks, and the discussion reflects a mix of serious inquiries and humorous exchanges.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to philosophers, students of philosophy, and those involved in writing or researching philosophical concepts and terminology.

Neo
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Hello all. I'm currently putting together a book called Encyclopedia of Abstract Terms. I was wondering if you could provide me with abstract words from philosophy that you believe need (better) definition.
 
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Hmmm... would "miracle" count? If someone could explain what one is then it would be greatly appreciated.
 
What is a "question"?
 
what is truth?
 
what is what?
 
Truth
Understanding
Reason
Experience
 
Have you seen the "Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy"
http://plato.stanford.edu/contents-unabridged.html ?
 
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love! :rolleyes:
 
Thanks so much everyone! I've defined them all in less than three words. Please provide me with more.
 
  • #10
Neo said:
I've defined them all in less than three words. Please provide me with more.

Three.

...
 
  • #11
Locrian said:
Three.

...

In three words?
"Not Quite Four" :biggrin:
 
  • #12
Define, "define."
 
  • #13
Good
Evil
Republicans
 
  • #14
Math Is Hard said:
In three words?
"Not Quite Four" :biggrin:

:smile: Har har har
 
  • #15
robphy said:
Have you seen the "Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy"
http://plato.stanford.edu/contents-unabridged.html ?


This link was actually quite helpful. Thanks. I'm in the process of writing a philosophy book while attending college and doing brain tumor research. A PhD from the Harvard lab I was working in said it was "genius." Hopefully I'll be able to publish within the next two years. Wish me luck!
 
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