Is Understanding Really Just A Case Of Applying Definitions?

Answer 1

You knew the answer to this question before you asked it because you've used the phrase "really just a case," implying a certain skepticism. The problem with language is that each word is only a symbol of what it represents. As someone earlier said, just because I say "chair," that doesn't mean we have the same image in mind. Quite a few poets and writers reflect extensively on this: Emerson, Frost (I don't mean the pretty packaged children's BS poetry), Coleridge, Marquez, Borges, etc. You've already reached that wall of frustration when you realize language's inadequacies.

Answer 2

Dear Death, I don't think that is is really. I think that all one's life experiences and thought go into understanding. We might say a child understand math because he can apply the definitions of addition or subtraction. But does he really? And what does he understand? The man who can take the definitions and ask the questions that take him to the next level is the one who understands. Because I think that understanding implies the ability to take something further.

I think there is an intuitive component to understanding. Sometimes one acts almost without thinking or at least not remembering the thought until after the action because what he has seen mobilizes something in him of his understanding to act quickly when quickness is necessary.

And I think there is the component of insight in understanding--the interpretation of body language, facial expressions, and something else--as when one sees something of another's soul--that is not a case of applying definitions. I say this because I have lived in several countries, and I have not found the different "ways" or "customs" a hindrance to this kind of understanding.

Even in mechanics, to a point understanding may be a case of applying definitions, but then ask any engineer if that will take him to end he desires to construct? And he will tell you the theory doesn't always work. At some point creative thinking must take over.

And there is always the bumblebee to consider. Being an aerodynamically unsound bug what definitions does it apply to fly (smile).

Maggie

Answer 3

A *definition* = separating something out from what is around it, making it discrete, identifying what it is that makes the thing/idea/whatever itself and not something else... so, as we apply definitions, we are showing that we are aware of the differences between things... and it's a two way process: the more precise the definition the more our awareness / the more our awareness the more precise our definition.

if i say *chair* you can't really understand what i am talking about unless i define what kind of chair, then you can make some sort of picture... but then i may need to talk about the colour, the fabric, any associations or memories i have about that particular chair... etc etc and the more abstract the concept, the more precise the definition needs to be to create understanding...

I think that *understanding* is a combination of defining *things* in themselves, and of the way in which they relate to other *things*.... but then you have to define the relationship as well as the thing...

so, in a word.... yes.

Answer 4

When Idea struck you there is no definitions exist..at once, for a split of nanosecond you understand whole Idea, whole package, which would contain enormous amount of information. That understanding would be an ultimate to look for. Understanding mentioned in your question is a long sequence of limited in linear perspective mental movements, leading to...well using that faculty humanity lost happiness from the beginning of time. That which we defined is not necessarily to be true, it is not what really is, just definition of what grasped...5 senses may perceive only what they can...there is forces assembling that which is in attempt to be defined, would be beyond of any senses , beyond of detection of any created devices...That crucial foundation is not calculated while definition is made...simply unknown, then definition is not complete, thus untrue...All definitions made out of consequences or effect of the cause is not fixed, but unstable, just matter of a time..To define Cause is the task which was never solved yet.

Answer 5

More To The Point, Are You From the Eighteenth Century? Because From The Way You Capitalise Every Word, You Would Appear To Be.

Answer 6

No; mostly because I see no definitions or understanding in that question. Why do we repeat all this non-sense we pick up somewhere? Do you see anyone who "understands"? Do you think that definition isn't bound by a definition itself? What definition are you asking about, I don't see any definitions (even beyond this question, the internet. Even in my 'experience', not one thing has been defined.)

Answer 7

hmmmmm i just think applying definitions helps to sort things into categories. It's not the be all and end all but it is a start. A sort of basis to be going on with. A beginning.

Answer 8

Applying definitions doesn't necessarely result in understanding, even though one might say that all is understood, not everyone has the same perceptions and same level of understanding.

Answer 9

It depends on how you apply your definition of understanding

Answer 10

I believe so cause once the definitions are changed your understanding changes.