Question #8:

"A widespread instance of an unrealistic attitude toward definitions is found in the common prescription, 'Let's define our terms so that we shall all know what we are talking about.' People often believe, having defined a word, that some kind of understanding has been established, ignoring the fact that the words in the definitions often conceal even more serious confusions and ambiguities than the word defined. If we happen to discover this fact and try to remedy matters by defining the defining words, we will quickly find ourselves in a hopeless snarl. The only way to avoid this snarl is to keep definitions to a minimum and to point to extensional levels wherever necessary -- and in writing and speaking, this means giving specific examples of what we are talking about." What one of the following is the main point of the above selection?

Please select an answer

A:If definitions are properly used that can make it unnecessary to use specific examples. B:Use of concrete examples from experience often provides a better basis for discussion than the use of further definitions. C:Persons can best maintain a basis for mutual understanding by using definitions that do not contain either favorable or unfavorable implied judgments. D:If people would use definitions taken from dictionaries, in place of their own slanted definitions, most of the defining snarls could be avoided. Show Answer

B: Look at the final sentence.

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