The functions of intellectual rubbish

pp. 97-112

in: Joseph Agassi, Science and culture, Berlin, Springer, 2003

Abstract

Discussing anything related to intellectual rubbish, to the intellectual standards that it falls short of, involves emotional charge. It is one thing to refuse to share tastes with my neighbors, and hard enough and alienating enough at that. To declare intellectual rubbish what they appreciate is much worse. Admittedly, I may try to escape trouble: I may try to find out what are their tastes, and avoid talking about intellectual rubbish except in the company of those whose tastes I share. This will not do. First, word goes round. Second, if two people agree about one thing and then their conversation shifts to talk about another, they may then find unexpected strong discrepancies. Finding in our cultural milieu more rubbish than things of value is common. This makes it hardly possible for anyone to express freely opinions about tastes without the fear of offending.