The book divides explanatory definitions into complete and incomplete essential definitions (ḥadd) and complete and incomplete descriptive definitions (rasm). First ask whether the formulation relies on essential components or a distinguishing non-essential property. Then examine whether it uses the nearest appropriate genus together with the relevant differentia or property, or a more remote or shorter formulation. “Incomplete” does not automatically mean false.
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The fourfold classification
Definitions in Logic: Complete and Incomplete Ḥadd and Rasm
The book divides explanatory definitions into complete and incomplete essential definitions (ḥadd) and complete and incomplete descriptive definitions (rasm). First ask whether the formulation relies on essential components or a distinguishing non-essential property. Then examine whether it uses the nearest appropriate genus together with the relevant differentia or property, or a more remote or shorter formulation. “Incomplete” does not automatically mean false.