In a previous article, I mentioned that definitions play an important role in the search for Truth. So let’s take a look at just how important definitions are.

Defining the words we use (and the words other people use) is an important step toward understanding each person’s point of view. For example, what does it mean to be “alive”? As you try to describe it, you’ll find that it’s a far more complex matter than you might have guessed. Are we talking about brain function? Breathing? Movement? Flourishing? Self-actualization? Depending on the conversation, it could mean any one of those!

Have you ever had an argument with somebody, only to discover in the end that you actually agreed all along, but were just explaining your views differently? It’s embarrassing, isn’t it? This can happen for a number of reasons. Sometimes, we simply don’t express ourselves correctly. We might use a word incorrectly, like say “magnificent” when we actually mean “magnanimous.” Other times, we might incorrectly interpret the meaning of a word that another person is using correctly. And other times, we might be using a word that is technically accurate, but could have communicated with more precision by using a more concrete word. Like saying “apple” when we could have said “Golden Delicious.” 

Being precise about the words we use helps us gain a greater understanding of our own views and of other people’s views. When we make sure that the words we use are communicating what we intend, and verify that the words we hear from another person mean what they intended for them to mean, we can then make sure that we’re all on the same page and that we’re actually talking about what we think we’re talking about. And hopefully, it brings us closer to discovering Truth in the process (which should always be our ultimate goal).

That’s right, when we get more precise about our definitions, we move closer to Truth. Taking the trouble to understand the words we use encourages us to elevate the quality of our thinking overall. Often, our knowledge is merely surface knowledge. But we rarely realize how little we know about what we think we know until we’re brought face to face with it. To see how this operates, imagine you’re a detective interviewing a witness. If they told you that the suspect got away in “a vehicle,” how deep is their understanding of the situation? And how useful is their testimony? A “vehicle” could be a car. But it could also be a skateboard, a helicopter, a schooner, the list is nearly limitless. The information is correct, but imprecise. And the suspect will likely never be caught! But imagine instead that the witness said the suspect got into a blue 2003 Ford F-150 pickup truck with a broken rear tail light on the driver’s side, and Minnesota plates that ended in 534. Now, suddenly it looks like finding the culprit will be a lot easier! When you commit to getting to this kind of precision with your words and the meaning you apply to them, you take your thinking to the next level.

Getting serious about your definitions also helps you discover the gaps in your thinking. I think we’ve all had those moments where we’re arguing with somebody, and they bring up a counterargument that we literally had never even thought of. Defining your terms, when done properly, helps you to ensure that you are considering the issue from every angle. By far, the best tool for getting clear about your definitions is to use the law of the excluded middle. With this approach, you can divide everything into 2 parts, and only two parts: this or not this. And you can further divide each of those parts into 2 parts, and only 2 parts. And so on, until you can no longer make any meaningful distinctions. And in this manner, you ensure that all the way down the chain, you never overlooked anything. Now that’s precision!

So the law of the excluded middle is the most important thinking tool available. And establishing precise definitions is a very close second! The next time you’re having trouble discussing an issue with somebody, take a moment to iron out the definitions of the terms the both of you are using. Never assume you know what they mean, ask them questions about it to make sure. It’ll seem magical.