Toward a Definition of Blockchain: Analyzing Definitions to Propose a Definition

Abstract

Definitions serve a range of purposes, including providing meaning to a term, describing the characteristics of an object being defined, eliminating any ambiguity about the meaning of a term, demonstrating the etymology of a word, and so on. However, scholars hold differing opinions on everything from the necessity of definitions to the very existence of definitions. This disagreement is evident in various definition theories, types, and methods. This article aims to provide a tentative definition of blockchain using the Aristotelian method of definition, after thoroughly examining existing definitions in the literature. Many publications were collected from multiple databases to achieve this, and non-peer-reviewed literature was excluded. Subsequently, definitions were extracted from the literature using a semi-automated method, creating a mini corpus of definitions, which was then analyzed. During the analysis, it was observed that authors employ eleven class terms and several distinguishing characteristics to define blockchain. However, ten of the class terms were deemed unsuitable based on the analysis, and the definition was ultimately made on the concept of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). Nevertheless, the proposed definition is presented as tentative due to the absence of a precise definition for DLT and the ongoing evolution of blockchain. In the field of information systems, defining concepts logically is a rare occurrence caused by professionals' unfamiliarity with communication and logic principles. This study aims to provide a tentative definition of blockchain that will enable interested parties to have a consistent understanding of the term and lay the groundwork for future definitions in this domain.