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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/16484
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/16484
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

You definitely want to avoid the kind of clash you're describing.

Intuitively, the section is composed of smaller subsections, which expand on particular areas. So a clash feels like you're saying "And now, within the topic of `(Topic X)`, let's talk about `(Topic X)`." Even if there's some kind of sense to it, it's confusing and should be avoided.

The key to solving this is figuring out what the difference is between the larger section, and the subsection. If they're both talking about `(Topic X)` - in this case, about Partially Ordered Categories - then the subsection _must_ be discussing a _specific_ aspect of `(Topic X)` - otherwise, you wouldn't have any other subsections in the same category.

Most often, if you feel like the names should be the same, it's because you're discussing a large topic, and at some point you want to formally define the topic. For example:

> - Topic X 
> - Introduction
> - Motivation for Topic X
> - **Topic X**
> - Use #1 of Topic X
> - Use #2 of Topic X
> - Variations on Topic X
> - Topic X in Popular Culture

In this case, the role of the subsection might be:

- A formal definition of the topic
- Basic facts about the topic
- A brief overview of the topic, which will be expanded upon in later subsections

...or other similar roles. You've got to figure out the particular role your subsection plays, in order to give it an accurate name.

I'd suggest that the easiest way to do this is to try to make the title of the clashing subsection **longer**. If this subsection is talking _about_ Topic X, but isn't _everything_ about Topic X, then explaining (in as many words as it takes) what the subsection is about will give you a more specific title.

For example, in your particular case, the relevant subsection contains only the formal mathematical definition. So if you'd describe the subsections in your own words, you'd say "This subsection has **the definition of Partially ordered categories** , and then the next subsection introduces another concept that works with this definition." So you could use:

> 3.5 Partially ordered categories
> 
> **3.5.1 Definition**
> 
> 3.5.2 Dagger categories

Or even

> 3.5 Partially ordered categories
> 
> **3.5.1 Definition of Partially ordered categories**
> 
> 3.5.2 Dagger categories

and you'll be entirely clear.

Original score: 4