Nonsense

Summary

Technical definition of nonsense: utterance lacking interpretability within any coherent semantic/syntactic framework under maximally charitable interpretation (no determinate meaning, reference, or truth conditions). Formally: proposition P is nonsense if no interpretation I assigns truth value. Applies definition to four disciplines: Theology (timeless yet acts = contradiction), Queer Theory (deliberate semantic destabilization), Astrology (category mistakes), Homeopathy (water memory = chemically incoherent). Contrasts with meaningful claims (water boils at 100°C, QBU branching). Aligns with Conditionalism (truth requires coherent context). Polemic but technically precise—draws line between meaningful discourse and semantic void. Cites logical positivism (Carnap), Popper, Quine, Sokal.

Tags

• epistemology
• philosophy
• conditionalism
• rationality-critique
• semantics

Cross-References

• Related: Logical positivism, Sokal affair

Notes

• Deliberately provocative
• Four controversial targets
• Rigorous formal definition
• Will offend believers in targeted disciplines
• Sets up Sacred Coherence argument