Fashionable Nonsense Summary

What happens when intellectual trends reject objective truth? Enter a world where facts crumble under flashy language and relativism reigns supreme.

1. Postmodernism Rejects Objective Truth

Postmodernism challenges the foundation of knowledge by denying the existence of objective truth. According to this philosophy, everything we know is shaped by societal contexts and subjective interpretations. It questions the validity of widely accepted facts, proposing that all perspectives are equally valid.

For example, postmodernists argue that science is just one narrative among many. They equate mythological stories, such as Native American creation tales, to scientific theories grounded in evidence. From this view, a story of people emerging from the earth is just as true as the scientific explanation of humanity's migration across the Bering Strait thousands of years ago.

While this perspective broadens cultural inclusivity by valuing diverse narratives, it creates a problematic stance for science and progress. The idea that every viewpoint is intrinsically equal undermines rigorous methods that depend on testing and evidence to establish truths.

Examples

• Native American myths versus archaeological evidence of migration.
• Postmodernism's relativistic lens on history and science.
• Claims of science as a "social construct" alongside mythology.

2. The Sokal Hoax as a Critique

Physicist Alan Sokal's infamous hoax was a direct jab at the absurdity of postmodernism. He submitted a deliberately nonsensical paper to the journal Social Text to expose postmodernism’s flawed standards.

Titled “Transgressing the Boundaries: Towards a Transformative Hermeneutics of Quantum Gravity,” Sokal’s text was constructed to sound complex but was completely meaningless. Its vague phrases and convoluted sentences aimed to mimic postmodernist writing—filled with words like "de-centered observer" and "ineluctable historicity."

The journal published it without question. Afterward, Sokal revealed his joke, showing how jargon and citations fooled editors. Even those considered experts couldn’t discern that the paper was gibberish. This stunt sparked debates, with intellectuals like Richard Dawkins praising Sokal's exposure of postmodernism.

Examples

• The fake article passed peer review despite lacking logic or evidence.
• Use of meaningless terms like “Lacanian” and “transgressive.”
• Critics like Richard Dawkins applauded the hoax for exposing intellectual hollowness.

3. Misuse of Science

Postmodernists often misuse scientific principles, either from ignorance or in manipulation. By borrowing terms from math and physics, they give their ideas an illusion of credibility.

For instance, Jacques Lacan claimed a mathematical formula suggested symbolic meanings for the penis as equivalent to the square root of a negative number. This nonsense twists real scientific concepts for flashy impact. Similarly, Luce Irigaray branded Einstein’s equation E=mc² sexist because it supposedly favors the speed of light over slower speeds.

These examples highlight a broader problem—postmodernism corrupts genuine knowledge by pasting scientific labels on irrelevant theories. This not only misleads readers but also disrespects scientific integrity.

Examples

• Lacan using square roots for imaginary psychoanalysis metaphors.
• Irigaray's critique of Einstein's equation.
• Postmodernist chaos theory appropriations by Jean Baudrillard.

4. Intellectual Bullying via Complexity

One hallmark of postmodernism is its incomprehensible language. Dense, jargon-heavy writing intimidates critics into silence, creating an illusion of depth where there is none.

By focusing on convoluted terms, postmodernists build walls around their ideas, making it difficult for others to engage critically. Many fear voicing disagreements, worried they'll appear unintelligent. This cultish dynamic fuels a cycle in which complex nonsense gets praised simply for being incomprehensible.

This tactic also gives postmodernism an air of exclusivity, as if understanding its ideas makes you part of an intellectual elite. As a result, nonsensical theories gain traction while pushing away valid criticism.

Examples

• Writings of Jean Baudrillard discussing historical chaos theory.
• Intimidation as a defense—complexity deterring criticism.
• Social scientists hesitant to challenge postmodernist texts.

5. The Rise of Fashionable Nonsense

The term "fashionable nonsense" aptly describes how postmodernism thrives under the guise of profundity. Its popularity stems from being trendy rather than meaningful.

The movement’s rejection of traditional structures appeals to audiences eager to appear progressive. It finds a home in academic circles where it’s seen as a rebellion against dogmas like scientism, which promotes science as the ultimate authority.

However, fashionable nonsense hurts efforts to solve real-world problems. It favors theory over action, convoluted language over clarity, and relativism over meaningful discourse. This trend is as alluring as it is hollow.

Examples

• "Spell-like" jargon creating a mysterious aura around simple concepts.
• Reaction against scientism from 1960s French intellectuals.
• Phrase-coining like “inclusivity” masking intellectual emptiness.

6. Postmodernism’s Effect on Social Sciences

Social sciences have suffered significant damage from adopting postmodernist ideologies. By rejecting empirical methods and testing, many academic fields succeed only in confusing their audiences rather than offering solutions.

Postmodernist relativism means that every idea becomes equally valid, leading to unmeasured theories and unchecked claims. The abandonment of evidence-based foundations allows speculative ideas to dominate fields like sociology and cultural studies.

This drift away from solid methodology weakens the credibility of social sciences and compromises their role in addressing societal problems. Complex theories delivered in opaque writing fail to secure the trust of broader audiences.

Examples

• Sociology leaning on unsupported relativistic frameworks.
• Cultural studies embracing convoluted postmodernist jargon.
• Lack of empirical testing in social theories.

7. Undermining Critical Thought

Postmodernism erodes the value of facts, which is detrimental to clear reasoning. Without drawing a line between truth and falsehood, no rational discourse can thrive.

When all ideas are given equal weight, the importance of proven evidence fades away. This opens the door to irrational beliefs and extreme returns of nationalism or fundamentalism. The undermining of evidence harms dialogue and fosters anti-intellectual movements that stall progress.

The preference for obfuscation over clarity drives society toward miscommunication rather than mutual understanding.

Examples

• Creation myths argued as plausible alternatives to scientific discoveries.
• Denial of progress by equating modern science with ancient ideologies.
• Reactionary ideologies fueled by postmodern relativism.

8. Impacts on Justice and Daily Life

If postmodernist relativism controlled daily systems like law or medicine, chaos would ensue. Evidence would hold no value, making critical decisions impossible.

Consider forensic investigations in courtrooms. While no system is perfect, scientific evidence still shapes justice based on rational standards. Postmodern doubt would force us to reconsider every fact, paralyzing real-world applications.

Beyond the courtroom, advancements like drugs or surgeries depend on experimental methods that postmodernism disregards. This rejection of reason doesn’t just hurt academia but harms society directly.

Examples

• Forensic science guiding judicial systems.
• Medical breakthroughs reliant on clear-cut research.
• Postmodernism ignoring controlled experiments.

9. Accountability in Academia

Postmodernism thrives because academia enables it. Its power over intellectual circles masks its lack of substance, allowing professors to churn out theories that escape scrutiny.

The academic environment often prioritizes jargon and complexity over clear communication. As a result, students are conditioned to accept postmodern narratives without questioning their validity, creating generations of unquestioning followers.

This cycle reinforces postmodern values while diminishing efforts to rejuvenate academic thought with evidence and clarity.

Examples

• Journals publishing jargon-filled essays without adequate peer review.
• Egotistical citation practices that avoid substance.
• Students emulating professors' postmodernist teachings.

Takeaways

1. Always verify claims—prioritize facts and evidence over vague appeals to complexity.
2. Advocate for clear and accessible language in professional and academic writing.
3. Question trends that reject critical reasoning or objective truths, no matter their popularity.