
Contents
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Chapter Summary Chapter Summary
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To Define or Not to Define To Define or Not to Define
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Meanings of Definition: Theoretical Points of Departure Meanings of Definition: Theoretical Points of Departure
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Conceptions of the Definitional Relation: Equivalence or Elucidation Conceptions of the Definitional Relation: Equivalence or Elucidation
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Conceptions of Definienda: Objectual or Lexical Conceptions of Definienda: Objectual or Lexical
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Specifying the Definiens Specifying the Definiens
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Definitions and Semantic Theory Definitions and Semantic Theory
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Types of Definition Types of Definition
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Real, Lexical, and Stipulative Definitions Real, Lexical, and Stipulative Definitions
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Substantive and Functional Definitions Substantive and Functional Definitions
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Monothetic and Polythetic Definitions Monothetic and Polythetic Definitions
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Homeostatic Property Cluster Definitions Homeostatic Property Cluster Definitions
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Value-Free and Universal Definitions Value-Free and Universal Definitions
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After All: Why Define? After All: Why Define?
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Appendix Sample of Academic Definitions of Religion Appendix Sample of Academic Definitions of Religion
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Classical Classical
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Contemporary Contemporary
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Glossary Glossary
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References References
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Further Reading Further Reading
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1 Definition
Get accessMichael Stausberg is Professor of Religion at the University of Bergen, Norway. His recent publications include Religion and Tourism: Crossroads, Destinations, and Encounters (2011) and, as co-editor, The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Zoroastrianism (2015, with Yuhan S.-D. Vevaina), Defining Magic (2013, with Bernd-Christian Otto), and The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in the Study of Religion (2011, with Steven Engler).
Mark Q. Gardiner is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada. He is the author of a number of articles on intersections between semantic theory and theories of religion (many co-authored with Steven Engler).
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Published:06 June 2017
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Abstract
There are innumerable attempts at defining ‘religion.’ The need and possibility of defining religion have been challenged, but such claims often presuppose specific definitions of religion and certain definitions of definition. The link between a definiendum (expression to be defined) and a definiens (expression that does the defining) can be conceived of in different manners. Since definiens are intended to express the meanings of the definienda, definitions are theoretically impacted by underlying theories of meaning. A crucial semantic distinction is that between meaning realism (meanings as fully determinate) and meaning antirealism (meanings as indeterminate). Different theories of meaning resonate with different types of definitions (real, lexical, and stipulative). In the study of religion, a recurrent distinction is that between functionalist and substantive definitions. The limitations of both can be overcome by combining them. Homeostatic property cluster definitions are a possible alternative.
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