What is intentional definition?

Intentional definition is a type of definition used in philosophy and other academic fields where concepts are defined in terms of their intended purpose or function. In this type of definition, the meaning of a term or concept is determined by the intention behind its creation or use.

The intention behind the creation of a concept or term can often be traced back to the person or group who first coined it. For example, the concept of democracy was introduced in ancient Greece with the intention of promoting equal participation and representation in government. Therefore, an intentional definition of democracy would focus on its intended purpose of promoting equal participation and representation.

Intentional definition can be contrasted with other types of definition, such as lexical definition (which defines a term in terms of its usage in language) or stipulative definition (which assigns a meaning to a term for a specific context or purpose). Intentional definition is often used in philosophical debates, as it helps to clarify the intended meaning of a concept and avoid misunderstandings.