A persuasive definition is a form of stipulative definition which purports to describe the true or commonly accepted meaning of a term, while in reality stipulating an uncommon or altered use, usually to support an argument for some view, or to create or alter rights, duties or crimes.
The terms thus defined will often involve emotionally charged but imprecise notions, such as freedom, terrorism, antisemitism, democracy, etc. In argumentation the use of a persuasive definition is sometimes called definist fallacy.
<!--- sources do not agree they are the same, some say there are several kinds of definist fallacies--->
Examples of persuasive definitions (definist fallacies) include:
- Democrat – "a leftist who desires to overtax the corporations and abolish freedom in the economic sphere".
Unclear, figurative language is often used in persuasive definitions. Although several techniques can be used to form such a definition, the genus and difference technique is the usual one applied. Both definitions in the taxation example above agree that the genus is a procedure relating to governance but disagree on the difference. Persuasive definitions combine elements of stipulative definitions, lexical definitions, and sometimes theoretical definitions.
Persuasive definitions commonly appear in political speeches, editorials and other situations where the power to influence is most in demand. They have been dismissed as serving only to confuse readers and listeners without legitimate purpose. Critical scrutiny is often necessary to identify persuasive definitions in an argument as they are meant to appear as honest definitions.
See also
- List of fallacies
- Definition
- Fallacies of definition
- Dogwhistle politics
- Essentially contested concept
- Loaded language
- Poisoning the well
- Stipulative definition
- The Devil's Dictionary