Definition: A Means Of Efficient Thinking and Learning

Schedule: This is a 1-hour class.

Format: Lecture with some class participation. No grading; homework is optional.

Cost: $20 per person for a group class of 4 or more students; $80 for one-on-one tutoring.

Payment options: Payments can be made via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, cash, or check.

Materials: Pencil and paper.

For more details or to schedule a class, contact Michael by phone at 281-770-2276 or by email at michaelgold@goldams.com.

Class Description.

In this class we will discuss what definitions are, why we need them, and some of the characteristics of definitions. Definitions are an under-appreciated and under-taught aspect of good thinking.

Not defining a term right or not defining it at all is a cause of some failures in science, and some mistakes in our real, practical, personal lives. Just think about what would happen if “good diet” was defined wrong! Or look through history to see what happens when “good person” is not defined right (so that foreigners cannot be good!)!

The science of chemistry was able to move forward when clear language and good definitions were formulated in the 1700s. Newton was able to move physics forward when he (among other things he did) defined “mass.” Science is progressing as people, through history, learn more and more what “science,” “theory,” “logic” are and how they work. Bad ideas and bad definitions of “science” led to frustration and injury in the past (and still do today!).

We can get “definitions” in a dictionary — but they are usually merely how a word is used socially, although sometimes they are a decent definition, and sometimes good. What we will learn are rules of logic for forming definitions, so we can get our thinking straight — remember, we need to think before we act: success in action flows from good thinking.

We will learn what definitions are, what role the play in good conceptual thinking, and why we need them.

We will use a combination of lecture, interactive discussion, Q&A, and in-class work. We will learn rules and general ideas about definition from specific examples. Be prepared to think, to learn, and to have new horizons open up. Come prepared to listen, take notes, interact, and learn!

Note: this is a class on logic, so we need to be prepared to think about our thinking. And the material and methods could be taught to adults, business professionals, and scientists, too; it’s not just easy stuff for kids. 🙂

“My teenage son enjoyed this class. A lot of material was covered. The instructor was very passionate about his subject.”
–Jean, parent, about the Outschool class “Logic Essentials: How to Think Well,” 19 Dec 2020

“Really enjoyable class from a teacher that cared and knows his stuff.”
–Anthony S., parent, about the Outschool class ““Logic Essentials: How to Think Well,” 19 Jul 2020

“Mr. Gold’s class was wonderful and our daughter enjoyed it. Mr. Gold kept her thinking. We highly recommend it.”
–Joseph P., parent, about the Outschool class ““Logic Corner: Generalization: Its Nature, Its Rules, Its Deep Importance,”3 Apr 2020

“Our daughter really enjoyed this class. She couldn’t wait to share what she learned with us, We highly recommend this class.”
–Joseph P., parent, about the Outschool class ““Logic Corner: Concepts, Our Unit of Knowledge,” 3 Apr 2020

“Both my kids, age 13 and 15, enjoyed this Logic class. It was very challenging and the kids really had to think!”
–Cat, parent, about the Outschool class ““Logic Essentials: How to Think Well,” 21 Feb 2020