Intellectual Impostures (published as Fashionable Nonsense in the US) is a 1998 book by physicists Alan Sokal and Jean Bricmont that critiques the use of scientific concepts and terminology by several prominent French postmodernist philosophers. 1. Core Purpose and Argument
The authors argue that postmodern philosophers often use scientific jargon to intimidate readers and add an air of authority to their work, even though the usage is mathematically or physically nonsensical. Intellectual Impostures: postmodern philosopher...
Intellectual Impostures followed the 1996 "Sokal Affair," where Alan Sokal submitted a parody article, to the cultural studies journal Social Text . 3. Context: The Sokal Hoax
The book highlights specific, quoted passages from several prominent intellectuals, including:
Critiqued for their interpretations of mathematical and physical concepts. 3. Context: The Sokal Hoax
Intellectual Impostures (published as Fashionable Nonsense in the US) is a 1998 book by physicists Alan Sokal and Jean Bricmont that critiques the use of scientific concepts and terminology by several prominent French postmodernist philosophers. 1. Core Purpose and Argument
The authors argue that postmodern philosophers often use scientific jargon to intimidate readers and add an air of authority to their work, even though the usage is mathematically or physically nonsensical.
Intellectual Impostures followed the 1996 "Sokal Affair," where Alan Sokal submitted a parody article, to the cultural studies journal Social Text .
The authors specifically state they are not criticizing all philosophy, but rather the specific "abuse" of scientific terminology.
The book highlights specific, quoted passages from several prominent intellectuals, including:
Critiqued for their interpretations of mathematical and physical concepts. 3. Context: The Sokal Hoax