Sex or Gender Is Binary Due To Definiens Per Negationem

 


 
    There are only two sexes/genders, male and female. This has not only been a widely accepted and scientifically supported fact since the dawn of time, any transsexual or transgender claim is definiens per negationem and requires binary sex/gender to exist. This perspective suggests that the diversity of gender experiences is defined by what individuals are not rather than what they are.

    It is also essential to acknowledge the reality of two sexes. This acknowledgment does not diminish the validity of non-binary or transgender identities but rather provides a foundation for understanding the complexities of human biology and diversity. For example, to claim one is not male but rather female is definiens per negationem and requires the reality that males exist.

    Likewise to claim one is not a female but a male requires the reality that females exist. Transsexual claims, (or transgender) are claims of definition through negation. Defining something through negation involves describing what a thing is by stating what it is not or what characteristics it lacks. As stated, this method of definition is known as definiens per negationem or "negative definition." While affirmative definitions provide positive attributes of a concept, negative definitions focus on excluding certain attributes or qualities. Thus, claiming one is not male but something else excludes attributes or qualities of a male, (and thus requires that a male human being exists). In sum, claiming what one is not requires the thing that one is not - exists. For example, if I claim I am not x, x must exist.

    While there may be variations in gender expression and identity, so called, when it comes to biological sex, or expressing gender as a polite form of sex, there are only two options that exist for the negative transgender definition claim. For example, the claim "I am not a dog, thus I am a woman" is an absurd line of reasoning. The opposite binary is always required in a transsexual or transgender claim. Even the claim of "non-binary" is definiens per negationem and thus requires the existence of binary sex.

    From a biological standpoint, the existence of only two sexes is a straightforward and well-established fact. The human species, like most other animals, reproduces through sexual reproduction, with males producing sperm and females producing eggs. This binary system of reproduction has been essential for the continuation of the species for millions of years. In addition every human being from conception is on a pathway to being male or female which eliminates the claim that "intersex" is a third sex. Additionally, the differences in physical and chromosomal characteristics between males and females are significant and well-documented. From hormonal profiles to reproductive anatomy, the disparities between the two sexes are clear and consistent across all individual human beings, and all human beings naturally develop towards one sex or the other. Of course development towards one sex may not be fully developed at birth, but a problem with development does not negate the fact that sex/gender is binary. 

    It is often claimed that the understanding of sex/gender has evolved, and that just because a number of people claim that sex/gender exists on a spectrum rather than a binary. This point of view claims that individuals may experience and express their gender identity in various ways that go beyond traditional notions of male and female. However, all these people claim the same thing - that they are not male, female, or binary, which again is a definiens per negationem claim. With this line of reasoning, one can claim they are not_male, not_female, or not_binary, leaving the door open for a positive affirmation claiming they are anything, (except binary, male or female of course). This is the reality of the "spectrum" of sex/gender identity: anything but x (not_male), y (not_female), or z (not_binary sex/gender).

    Thus, individuals claiming identities on the "gender/sex spectrum" are again defining themselves through negation (definiens per negationem). This perspective suggests that the diversity of gender experiences is defined by what individuals are not rather than what they are.

    In conclusion, the existence of only two sexes/genders, male and female, is a scientific fact and an essential component of human biology and reproductive processes. While societal norms and expectations may evolve, the fundamental biological differences between males and females remain constant. It is crucial to recognize and appreciate the diversity of human experiences and identities while also acknowledging the reality that sex/gender is binary as a positive affirmation versus the definiens per negationem claim that sex/gender is a spectrum. 

Photo by Alexander Sinn on Unsplash

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