🔗 Reference-based meaning 📦 Defined by members

extensionalism

1 9.9

A view that words get their meaning from the actual things they refer to

noun
/ɪkˈstɛnʃənəlɪzəm/

Specialized

: extensionalismo

In philosophy, extensionalism holds that the meaning of a term is defined by the objects it refers to.

Examples

I find extensionalism fascinating.
According to extensionalism, the meaning of a term depends on the actual objects it refers to.
Many analytic philosophers have debated the merits of extensionalism versus intensionalism.
The theory of extensionalism plays a key role in discussions about language and logic.
Many philosophers debate extensionalism.
The debate between extensionalism and intensionalism is central to understanding various theories of meaning.
Many philosophers support extensionalism, arguing that meaning depends on actual instances rather than descriptions.

Surface Forms

extensionalism singular

extensionalisms plural

Morphology

extensionalism = extensional (semi-transparent) = extension + al + ism

Formally a standard derivation (extensional + -ism), but the resulting meaning is a technical philosophical doctrine rather than a simple adjectival extension.

Etymology

Extensionalism comes from extension and extend, words that carry the idea 'to stretch' or 'reach' and which we use to mean the real things something reaches. So, extensionalism is the view that a word's meaning is just the actual things it refers to.