Exemplification

Exemplification

Exemplification is a mode of symbolization characterized by the relation between a sample and what it refers to.

Description

Unlike ostension, which is the act of showing or pointing to a sample, exemplification is possession of a property plus reference to its label (Goodman, 1976). For example, if a colour sample has the property labelled 'green', then the colour sample exemplifies green. Basically, possession of a property amounts to "being referred to" by its label.

Samples

While the label 'green' refers to any green thing, only things that are used as samples, such as the green swatches in a paint shop's booklet, exemplify it. Furthermore, exemplification is selective: a sample does not exemplify all of its properties (size, shape, aesthetic value etc.) but only those for which it is a symbol.

A mode of reference

Reference is the relation between something "standing for" something else. Usually it goes in one direction, for example, from a word to what it designates. But it is also used in both directions, for example, when product samples stand for certain properties they possess. While the label 'green' refers to a certain property of a product sample, the sample refers to the same property by exemplifying it. Therefore, exemplification is a mode of reference.

Uses of exemplification

*Product samples exemplify certain properties they possess.

*As a part in ostensive definition, i.e. definition by exemplification of what is defined. For example, an artist can define a new style by showing works that exemplify it.

*Defined exemplification is a pattern of essay development that uses specific instances (examples) to clarify a point, to add interest, or to persuade (Clouse, 2006).

References

*Goodman, Nelson, 1976, "Languages of Art: An Approach to a Theory of Symbols." Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, pp 52-57.

*Clouse, Barbara, 2006, "Patterns for a Purpose": McGraw Hill Publishing Company, pg G-2

See also

*Reference

*Ostensive definition

*Nominalism

External links

*Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: [http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/goodman-aesthetics/ Goodman's aesthetics] by Alessandro Giovannelli.


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  • exemplification — [ ɛgzɑ̃plifikasjɔ̃ ] n. f. • 1949; de exemplifier ♦ Didact. Action d exemplifier. « À titre d illustration ou d exemplification » (Ricœur). ● exemplification nom féminin Action d exemplifier. exemplification [ɛgzɑ̃plifikɑsjɔ̃] n. f. ÉTYM. 1949; …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • exemplification — index case (example), clarification, comment, construction, corroboration, cross section, epitome, e …   Law dictionary

  • exemplification — early 15c., from Anglo Fr. exemplification, from M.L. exemplificationem (nom. exemplificatio), noun of action from pp. stem of exemplificare (see EXEMPLIFY (Cf. exemplify)) …   Etymology dictionary

  • Exemplification — Ex*em pli*fi*ca tion, n. 1. The act of exemplifying; a showing or illustrating by example. [1913 Webster] 2. That which exemplifies; a case in point; example. [1913 Webster] 3. (Law) A copy or transcript attested to be correct by the seal of an… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • exemplification — [eg zem΄plə fi kā′shən, igzem΄plə fi kā′shən] n. [ME < ML exemplificatio: see EXEMPLIFY] 1. a showing by example 2. something that exemplifies; example 3. Law a legally attested or certified copy or transcript …   English World dictionary

  • exemplification — /ig zem pleuh fi kay sheuhn/, n. 1. the act of exemplifying. 2. something that exemplifies; an illustration or example. 3. Law. an attested copy of a document, under official seal. [1400 50; late ME < ML exemplification (s. of exemplificatio) a… …   Universalium

  • exemplification — exemplify ► VERB (exemplifies, exemplified) ▪ be or give a typical example of. DERIVATIVES exemplification noun …   English terms dictionary

  • exemplification — noun Date: 1510 1. a. the act or process of exemplifying b. example, case in point 2. an exemplified copy of a document …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • exemplification — noun a) The act of exemplifying; a showing or illustrating by example. b) That which exemplifies; a case in point; example …   Wiktionary

  • exemplification — Synonyms and related words: allegorization, alphabet, art, blueprint, case, case in point, charactering, characterization, chart, choreography, citation, clarification, conventional representation, cracking, cross reference, dance notation,… …   Moby Thesaurus

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