worldling

I've been emailing this xian for a couple of years, trying to get to the bottom of the question of whether or not xianity is a "reasonable" belief. I finally got him to give me his definition of "reason", which can be paraphrased thus:
Now, I find this very funny, for obvious reasons, and I'm looking forward to composing my reply. But what I'd like to know is: is there a proper philosophical term for "making up a definition to suit your argument"?

Thanks in advance

mike_decock

I don't know if there's a philosophical term for redefining words like that. When people throw those kinds of "definitions" around, I usually twist them around in my reply.

With a definition like:

I would rephrase it to something like:

-Mike...

philechat

Semantics game? Equivocation?

Psycho Economist

I'm no master logician, but if he's changing the terms of his argument once it's begun, it's a form of equivocation. If you're defining terms for the start of an argument, anything goes if you agree to it. There may be a more formal name for the specific foul.

If he's just throwing new crap in and defining it however he wants, then it can be either question begging (if he hasn't demonstrated it to mean what he claims it does, based upon earlier, mutually agreed-to assumptions), or a red herring (if it's agreed upon, but irrelevant).

Neilium

I detect the old "begging the question" tactic.

http://www.philosophypages.com/dy/b2.htm#beg

or
http://www.xrefer.com/entry/551413

Also called "circular reasoning". Zing him with the Latin petitio principii.

He's presenting the answer to the question in the premises that allegedly supports his arguement. That's a cheap tactic that would get you kicked out of high school debate team.

Good luck, and have fun with this one.

-Neil

Keith Russell

Neil said:
He's presenting the answer to the question in the premises that allegedly supports his arguement. That's a cheap tactic that would get you kicked out of high school debate team.

Right...

Keith.

Neilium

I'm sorry, I forgot where I was. I should have said "...get you promoted to faculty."

Won't let it happen again.

-Neil

worldling

Thanks everyone.

I did point out that his def begged the question. I also told him that making up your own defs was not allowed, otherwise anything goes, and gave him two examples:
"Reason is what happens when the human mind functions the way Allah intended."
"Reason is what happens when you drink seven pints of Guinness."

Still awaiting his response. I'll keep you informed.