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    A term can be genuinely ambiguous between uses that share... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→A term is ambiguous only if no single definition can encompass all its meanings

    A term can be genuinely ambiguous between uses that share overlapping but non-identical features, with no single definition possible.

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    1 reason for
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    Reasons For

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    Reason for
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    • 1.The word 'game' successfully refers across chess, tag, and acting despite sharing no single common feature (Wittgenstein's family resemblance).
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    • 2.Natural language evolved for communication, not logical precision, so ambiguity via overlapping features is a fundamental feature, not a bug.
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    • 3.Forcing a single definition often distorts actual usage or requires arbitrary stipulation that excludes legitimate borderline cases.
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    Reasons Against

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    Reason against
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    • 1.Overlapping features constitute a coherent definition: the disjunction of all feature-sets used. This dissolves the claim that no definition exists.
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    • 2.Calling something 'ambiguous' rather than 'poorly defined' assumes the term's vagueness is built-in rather than resolvable through better analysis.
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    • 3.If we cannot identify what makes uses count as the same term, we lose the ability to explain why we group them together meaningfully at all.
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    Philosophy of Language1 linked

    Related

    A term is ambiguous only if no single definition can encompass all its meaningsCalling something 'ambiguous' rather than 'poorly defined' assumes the term's va...Forcing a single definition often distorts actual usage or requires arbitrary st...If we cannot identify what makes uses count as the same term, we lose the abilit...
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    Natural language evolved for communication, not logical precision, so ambiguity ...Overlapping features constitute a coherent definition: the disjunction of all fe...The word 'game' successfully refers across chess, tag, and acting despite sharin...

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