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intellectual-imposture
The phenomenon of using obscure or confusing language and misappropriated scientific concepts to create an appearance of profundity without substantive meaning.
1 chapter across 1 book
Intellectual Impostures (1997)Alan Sokal and Jean Bricmont
Preamble
The preamble of "Intellectual Impostures" introduces the book's origins in Alan Sokal's hoax article that exposed the misuse of scientific concepts by postmodern intellectuals. The authors clarify their intent to critique specific abuses of scientific terminology by prominent thinkers without dismissing their entire work, and to challenge epistemic relativism prevalent in some academic circles. They emphasize that their critique is not a broad attack on the humanities or political ideologies but a call for intellectual clarity and rigor.