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<p>If a definition is to be understood as introducing the definitum, so that it means &ldquo;Let so and so &mdash; the definitum &mdash; mean so and so &mdash; the definition&rdquo;, then it is a proposition in the imperative mood, and consequently, not a proposition; for a proposition is equivalent to a sentence in the indicative mood.</p>

<p>If a definition is to be understood as introducing the definitum, so that it means &ldquo;Let so and so &mdash; the definitum &mdash; mean so and so &mdash; the definition&rdquo;, then it is a proposition in the imperative mood, and consequently, not a proposition; for a proposition is equivalent to a sentence in the indicative mood.</p>

<p>The definition is thus only a proposition if the definitum be already known to the interpreter.  But in that case it clearly conveys information as to the character of this definitum, which is a matter of fact.</p>

<p>The definition is thus only a proposition if the definitum be already known to the interpreter.  But in that case it clearly conveys information as to the character of this definitum, which is a matter of fact.</p>

<p align="right">C.S. Peirce, &ldquo;Syllabus&rdquo; (''c.'' 1902).<br>

<p align="right">C.S. Peirce, &ldquo;Syllabus&rdquo; (c. 1902)<br>

''Collected Papers'' (CP 2.309&ndash;331).</p>

''Collected Papers'' (CP 2.309&ndash;331)</p>

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[[Category:Charles Sanders Peirce]]

[[Category:Charles Sanders Peirce]]