Stipulatív

Stipulatív is a term used in linguistics and philosophy to describe a type of statement or definition that establishes a convention or a specific meaning for a word or concept within a particular context. Unlike descriptive statements, which aim to report on how language is actually used, stipulative statements create a new usage or assign a precise meaning that may not reflect common understanding. They are often employed to clarify ambiguity, introduce specialized terminology, or set specific parameters for a discussion or theory. For example, a scientist might stipulate a particular definition for a novel phenomenon to ensure consistent communication among researchers. Similarly, in legal contexts, terms are often stipulatively defined to avoid misinterpretation. The validity of a stipulative definition lies in its usefulness and clarity within its intended domain, rather than its correspondence to existing usage. It is a foundational tool for building logical arguments and developing precise conceptual frameworks.