The Importance of ‘Meaning’

Typically, definitions are puerile. True, we need them, but typically they are most useful only whenever they are not used in isolation. Take for instance, the definition,

A horse neighs.

Accurate and exclusive? Yes, because there is not any other animal that neighs. Yet we really cannot say that it gives us any robust ‘mind picture’ of a horse.

Suppose then the following description, namely,

A horse is an herbivorous animal which neighs, that goes on four legs — two fore and two hinds— that is large enough to carry a man on its back; fast enough to be used for travel; and strong enough to ride into battle, because typically the noise of mortar and shells do not affright.

Better? Absolutely, because though the picture still might not be accurate, yet the mind is able to create a more robust picture.

It seems to me a mind picture of a horse in the midst of activities is more robust than the mere picture of a horse. It perhaps is the reason some of the most profound paintings of horses cast them in the act of…