One of the topics, in this weeks reading, that stood out most to me was the five criteria to evaluate definitions. I think that these critical thinking skills in the evaluation of good definitions is very helpful in figuring out the proper use of words. The skills are:
1) A good definition is neither too broad nor too narrow.
2) A good definition should state the essential attributes of the term being defined.
3) A good definition is not circular.
4) A good definition avoids obscure and figurative language.
5) A good definition avoids emotive language.
I think this piece of information is so valuable when doing research and trying to expand our vocabulary. This criteria simplifies the learning of words. It also supports clear communication and critical thinking skills. The book states that, "knowing how to determine if a particular definition is good makes it less likely that we will get caught up in purely verbal dispute or fallacious reasoning." This is so easy to do when you are not educated in simplifying words and knowing your own vocabulary. I think that this happens to us all of the time when we are in frustrating conversations. We like to get into conversations that solely rely on verbal arguing that our reasoning tends to get construed in anger. If we are educated in this five criteria system, it makes it easy to know our vocabulary so that when we are faced with a situation that requires our critical thinking skills, we are prepared.
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