Summary
In "On Bullshit," Harry G. Frankfurt delves into the pervasive phenomenon of bullshit in contemporary society, moving beyond mere recognition to a philosophical understanding of its nature, origins, and significance. Frankfurt observes that while everyone seems aware of bullshit, there's a surprising lack of serious inquiry into what it actually is, why it's so prevalent, and what functions it serves.
Frankfurt argues that bullshit is not simply falsehood, but rather a distinct form of misrepresentation characterized by a lack of concern for the truth. He distinguishes bullshit from lying, noting that a liar is aware of and attempts to conceal the truth, while a bullshitter is indifferent to it altogether. This indifference, Frankfurt asserts, makes bullshit a greater enemy of the truth than lying, as it undermines the very possibility of distinguishing between truth and falsehood.
The book explores the motivations and characteristics of the bullshitter, suggesting that bullshit often arises when individuals are compelled to speak on topics they know little about, or when they prioritize self-representation over accuracy. Frankfurt examines the role of pretentiousness in bullshit, arguing that while pretentious bullshit is common, pretentiousness is a motive rather than a constitutive element of its essence. He analyzes various examples of bullshit, from Fourth of July orations to casual conversation, to illustrate its diverse forms and functions.
Frankfurt draws on examples from literature and philosophy, including Wittgenstein's critique of insincere language, to illuminate the nature of bullshit. He examines entries from the Oxford English Dictionary related to "bull" and "bullshit" to further clarify the concept. He also addresses the contemporary proliferation of bullshit, attributing it to skepticism about objective reality and a resulting emphasis on sincerity over truth. Ultimately, "On Bullshit" offers a provocative and insightful analysis of a ubiquitous aspect of modern life, challenging readers to think critically about the ways in which language is used and abused.
The essence of bullshit lies in its phoniness rather than its falsity. A bullshitter doesn't necessarily get things wrong, but they are faking it. They misrepresent their enterprise, not aiming to report truth or conceal it. They operate without concern for whether their words describe reality, choosing or creating them to suit their purpose.
While a liar responds to the truth and is, to some extent, respectful of it, the bullshitter ignores its demands altogether. This disregard makes bullshit a greater enemy of truth than lies. The bullshitter's lack of concern for truth makes them unfit for truth-telling. Excessive indulgence in bullshitting leads to the attenuation or loss of the habit of attending to the ways things are.