Luke's Working Notes

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Term

Definition

Term

/tərm/

ꜱᴇᴍᴀɴᴛɪᴄ

: a word or phrase used unambiguously

// concept handles, dictionary entries, inventory of terms (Syntopicon)

Summary

Terms allow us to represent complex, often abstract ideas in clear and/or memorable ways. They are shorthand representations of ideas, beliefs, relationships, and even entire subjects.

Outline of Topics

On using memorable terms as shorthand for complex topics

On defining your terms

On coming to terms with an author

On material fallacies

On the battle for the dictionary

On killing words (and trying to keep them alive)

On the importance of clear definitions in rhetorical debate

On the act of naming things

On using words to conceal instead of reveal

On the unavoidable necessity of jargon

Examples

Inventory of terms (Syntopicon)

Index Keywords

Dictionary, Glossary, and Lexicon Entries

Slang

Scripture Concordance

Distinctions (Wikipedia)

Core Concepts (Wikipedia)

Patterns

Word Biography

Clarifying Modifier

Paradoxical Combination

Threshold Concepts

Keyword Mnemonic

Authorisms

Cross-References

A Claim typically depends on at least one or two key terms that will require definition.

References

Studies in Words - C.S. Lewis (especially Chapter 1 and Chapter 12)

Chapter 8 of How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading

Section II of Socratic Logic: A Logic Text Using Socratic Method, Platonic Questions, and Aristotelian Principles

The Devil's Dictionary - Ambrose Bierce