(3) “The soul is the entelechy, or first form of an organized body which has potential life.” Aristotle.
FIFTH RULE.
When possible the definition must be affirmative rather than negative.
The fact that there are a considerable number of terms which admit of a negative definition only, takes from the force of this rule. Such terms as deafness, inexpressible, infidel and the like can best be defined negatively.
It likewise happens that when words are used in pairs it is expedient to define one affirmatively and the other negatively. Recall, for example, the definitions of relative and absolute terms: “A relative term is one which needs another term to make its meaning clear.” “An absolute term is one which does not need another term to make its meaning clear.”
Illogical Definitions According to the Fifth Rule.
(1) A gentleman is a man who is not rude.
(2) An element is a substance which is not a compound.
(3) An univocal term is a term which does not have more than one meaning.