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Bullshit, Truth and Lies – An analysis of Frankfurt's theory of bullshit

Schjelbred, Joachim (2025) FTEK01 20161
Theoretical Philosophy
Abstract
This paper provides a critical analysis of Harry G. Frankfurt's seminal theory of bullshit, as outlined in his works "On Bullshit" and "On Truth." The thesis establishes Frankfurt's central argument that the defining characteristic of the bullshitter is an indifference to the truth, a quality that fundamentally distinguishes the bullshitter from the liar, who actively engages with the truth and to this extent respects it, yet only to deceive. This distinction is then examined through the lens of three key critics: G. A. Cohen, Thomas L. Carson, and George A. Reisch. By evaluating Cohen's view of bullshit as "unclarifiable," Carson's concept of "evasive bullshitting," and Reisch's pragmatic approach, the paper reveals the limitations of... (More)
This paper provides a critical analysis of Harry G. Frankfurt's seminal theory of bullshit, as outlined in his works "On Bullshit" and "On Truth." The thesis establishes Frankfurt's central argument that the defining characteristic of the bullshitter is an indifference to the truth, a quality that fundamentally distinguishes the bullshitter from the liar, who actively engages with the truth and to this extent respects it, yet only to deceive. This distinction is then examined through the lens of three key critics: G. A. Cohen, Thomas L. Carson, and George A. Reisch. By evaluating Cohen's view of bullshit as "unclarifiable," Carson's concept of "evasive bullshitting," and Reisch's pragmatic approach, the paper reveals the limitations of Frankfurt's original framework. The discussion culminates in the conclusion that while Frankfurt's theory remains foundational, these critiques offer valuable insights into the complex nature of deception and the pervasive role of bullshit in modern discourse. The paper ultimately affirms Frankfurt's goal of fostering a greater concern for truth while acknowledging the nuanced perspectives that enrich the philosophical debate. (Less)
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author
Schjelbred, Joachim
supervisor
organization
course
FTEK01 20161
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Bullshit, Frankfurt, Truth, Lying, Philosophy, Epistemology, Linguistic philosophy, Ethics, Sincerity, Deception, Pragmatics, Semantics, Cohen, Carson, Reisch, Political philosophy, Fake news, Post-truth
language
English
id
9213525
date added to LUP
2025-10-03 13:22:35
date last changed
2025-10-03 13:22:35
@misc{9213525,
  abstract     = {{This paper provides a critical analysis of Harry G. Frankfurt's seminal theory of bullshit, as outlined in his works "On Bullshit" and "On Truth." The thesis establishes Frankfurt's central argument that the defining characteristic of the bullshitter is an indifference to the truth, a quality that fundamentally distinguishes the bullshitter from the liar, who actively engages with the truth and to this extent respects it, yet only to deceive. This distinction is then examined through the lens of three key critics: G. A. Cohen, Thomas L. Carson, and George A. Reisch. By evaluating Cohen's view of bullshit as "unclarifiable," Carson's concept of "evasive bullshitting," and Reisch's pragmatic approach, the paper reveals the limitations of Frankfurt's original framework. The discussion culminates in the conclusion that while Frankfurt's theory remains foundational, these critiques offer valuable insights into the complex nature of deception and the pervasive role of bullshit in modern discourse. The paper ultimately affirms Frankfurt's goal of fostering a greater concern for truth while acknowledging the nuanced perspectives that enrich the philosophical debate.}},
  author       = {{Schjelbred, Joachim}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Bullshit, Truth and Lies – An analysis of Frankfurt's theory of bullshit}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}