Definition in Theory and Practice
Language, Lexicography and the Law
1st Edition
Published on 24. May 2007
250 pages
978-1-4411-7615-8 (ISBN)
Description
The problem of definition has a long history and has engaged the minds of some of the most eminent thinkers in the Western tradition, from Plato and Aristotle onwards. But it is also an everyday problem constantly confronting all who have to draft or interpret the countless texts on which modern society depends. Definition in Theory and Practice focuses on two areas where difficulties arise in a particularly acute form: lexicography and the law. Examining a wide range of approaches and definitional techniques, backed up by detailed analyses of dictionary entries and court cases, the authors provide a comprehensive survey of their subject. They argue that what underlies the problem of definition are conflicting assumptions about the way language functions. This in-depth study of definition will be of interest to academics researching lexicography, semantics and the intersection of linguistics and jurisprudence.
More details
Edition
1. Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
ISBN-13
978-1-4411-7615-8 (9781441176158)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
05/2014
Bloomsbury Academic USA
€56.20
Shipment within 15-20 days
Book
05/2007
Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
€267.80
Shipment within 15-20 days
Persons
Roy Harris is Emeritus Professor of General Linguistics at the University of Oxford, UK.
Christopher Hutton is Head of the English Department at the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Christopher Hutton is Head of the English Department at the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Content
Preface
Part One: Definition and Theory
1. On stipulative definition
2. On definition and common usage
3. On real definition
4. Ostensive definition and linguistic theory
Part Two: Definition and the Dictionary
5. The lexicographer's task
6. Definitions and history
7. Types and problems of definition
Part Three: Definition and the Law
8. The definition of law and legal definition
9. Strategies of construction
10. Linguistics, science and meaning
Part Four: Conclusion
11. Definition, indeterminacy and reference
Bibliography
Index
Part One: Definition and Theory
1. On stipulative definition
2. On definition and common usage
3. On real definition
4. Ostensive definition and linguistic theory
Part Two: Definition and the Dictionary
5. The lexicographer's task
6. Definitions and history
7. Types and problems of definition
Part Three: Definition and the Law
8. The definition of law and legal definition
9. Strategies of construction
10. Linguistics, science and meaning
Part Four: Conclusion
11. Definition, indeterminacy and reference
Bibliography
Index
