Single Idea 18889

[catalogued under 2. Reason / D. Definition / 11. Ostensive Definition]

Full Idea

So-called ostensive definitions need not literally involve ostension, e.g. pointing, but they must involve genuine reference of some sort (in this case reference to a sample of water).

Gist of Idea

Ostensive definitions needn't involve pointing, but must refer to something specific

Source

Nathan Salmon (Reference and Essence (1st edn) [1981], 4.11.2)

Book Reference

Salmon,Nathan: 'Reference and Essence (2nd ed)' [Prometheus 2005], p.101