Definition

1. Noun:
   • A definition that is stipulated by someone and that is not a standard usage: A stipulative definition is a deliberate assignment of meaning to a new term or a new, specific meaning to an existing term for a particular purpose, context, or argument. It is not based on common, historical, or dictionary usage but is instead created and agreed upon by the person or group using it.

Usage

• A stipulative definition is used to introduce a precise, technical meaning for a word, especially in academic, legal, scientific, or philosophical discourse. It serves to avoid ambiguity within a specific discussion or text.
• It is important to note that a stipulative definition is neither true nor false; it is a proposal for how a term should be understood in a given context. Its validity depends on its clarity and consistency within that context.

Examples

• Noun:
  • For the purposes of this philosophy paper, I offer a stipulative definition of "justice" as "the equitable distribution of resources." (Here, the author creates a specific meaning for "justice" for their argument.)
  • The contract included a stipulative definition of "Confidential Information" that was broader than the common understanding. (The legal document assigns a specific, agreed-upon meaning to the term.)
  • In this model, we use a stipulative definition where "agent" refers only to software programs, not human beings. (A technical definition is established for clarity within a scientific context.)

Advanced Usage

• Role in Argumentation: A stipulative definition is crucial for framing an argument or theory. It sets the ground rules for how key terms are to be understood, preventing misunderstandings.
  • The entire debate hinged on the philosopher's initial stipulative definition of "free will."
• Contrast with Lexical Definition: Unlike a lexical definition (which describes a word's established meaning as found in dictionaries), a stipulative definition a meaning for a specific use case.

Variants and Related Words

• Stipulate (verb): To demand or specify a requirement, often as part of an agreement. While related, "to stipulate" often refers to conditions, whereas a "stipulative definition" refers specifically to defining terms.
  • The treaty stipulates that both parties will reduce emissions.
• Stipulation (noun): A condition or requirement. This is a broader term that can include, but is not limited to, definitions.
  • One stipulation of the grant was the stipulative definition of "research outcomes."

Synonyms

• Technical definition: A definition created for a specialized field.
• Precising definition: A definition that makes a vague term more precise for a specific context (this is a type of stipulative definition).

Related Phrases

• To offer a stipulative definition: The act of proposing such a definition.
  • The author begins by offering a stipulative definition of key terms.
• By stipulation: According to the agreed-upon terms or definitions.
  • "Fruit," by stipulation in this botany text, includes structures derived from the ovary wall.

Noun

1. a definition that is stipulated by someone and that is not a standard usage