Scientology

Action Definition

There are various ways to write a definition. One of these is called an "action definition".

"What is an action definition? Action definition is something which gives the remedy or which gives the method of use or construction." - L. Ron Hubbard. Going further he said, "Just demand those things: What it is, what causes it, what its effect is and how to alter it."

In the past, most dictionaries used "descriptive" definitions which were short statements that in most cases could be substituted for the word that was defined. Keeping definitions short was a way to include a larger number of definitions in a hard copy dictionary at a lower cost. The cost of ink and paper was often an overriding issue but does not apply to the Internet.

For example, a "descriptive" definition of "screw" might be, "fastener with a slotted head and a threaded shank". There is nothing much wrong with this but an "action definition" might include the following.

  • What is it - Rod with spiral threads and usually a head.
  • What causes it - Manufactured usually from metal.
  • What its effect is - Attaches to an object or holds objects together.
  • How to alter it - Can be rotated into or out of the object. Can have various sizes, head and thread types.

    And might be written as, "Rod with spiral threads that attaches to an object or holds objects together. Manufactured usually from metal, usually includes a head that can be used to rotate it into or out of the object. Can have various sizes and various thread and head types."

    References

  • L. Ron Hubbard, Research & Discovery Series, Volume 12, 1952, ISBN 1-57318-098-X, Bridge Publications, Los Angeles. (see "action definition", p 151)
  • Sidney I. Landau, Dictionaires, The Art and Craft of Lexicography, 2nd edition, 2001, ISBN 0 521 78512 X, Cambridge University Press


    Grateful acknowledgment is made to L. Ron Hubbard Library for permission to reproduce selections from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard. L. RON HUBBARD is a trademark and service mark owned by The Religious Technology Center and is used with its permission.