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postmodern-science

A term used to describe the distorted or incorrect application of scientific concepts within postmodernist discourse, often leading to misunderstandings.

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.