Skip to content

Ambiguity Quote by Alan Sokal

Download Open image
““We have seen in this book numerous ambiguous texts that can be interpreted in two different ways: as an assertion that is true but relatively banal, or as one that is radical but manifestly false. And we cannot help thinking that, in many cases, these ambiguities are deliberate. Indeed, they offer a great advantage in intellectual battles: the radical interpretation can serve to attract relatively inexperienced listeners or readers; and if the absurdity of this version is exposed, the author can always defend himself by claiming to have been misunderstood, and retreat to the innocuous interpretation.””

Alan Sokal

3.2 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Alan Sokal

Explore all 9 Alan Sokal quotes

More Ambiguity quotes

Browse all 392 Ambiguity quotes