Re: What is the definition of "definition"?

Eric Watt Forste (arkuat@pobox.com)
Mon, 03 Feb 1997 11:23:37 -0800

Eliezer Yudkowsky writes:
>*course* the quickie definition is circular: It uses the phrase
>"formation of a symbol", which unless defined further, simply means:
>"defining a symbol".

No, the formation of a symbol would be something more like learning the
proper and effective use of a concept (symbol, in your terms). Defining
a symbol means to construct an explanatory string of language; forming a
symbol means to construct a set of state-space boundaries and
connections within your brain... a much more extensive undertaking.

--
Eric Watt Forste ++ arkuat@pobox.com ++ http://www.pobox.com/~arkuat/