I have completed my bookreport of On Bullshit by Harry G. Frankfurt.
The author does bring to the reader's attention the difference between lying and bullshitting and how we as a society are more tolerant to bullshit than to a lie due to the personal intent. He has essentially written a book on bullshit that is filled with nothing but?
Other positives were that the book was inexpensive and doesn't take up that much room on my bookshelf (about 5"x7"). It was also a quick read.
If I were to read it all over again I would only read pages 48 through 55. (HINT)
I do not understand why on earth this book would be ranked #38 on Amazon. It is clear that there isn't enough for the author to write about as he immediately goes off on a tangent about the relationship with the word "humbug". Dr. Frankfurt then goes on to state someone creates verbal bullshit when they say they feel like a dog that was just run over because the speaker did not wrought their words with intention and forethought. He likened this quick quip to cheaply made goods. Quite a stretch.
The entire book can be summed up with as follows:
Bullshit is the lack of a concern for the connection to the truth. Any statement that is not grounded in a belief that it is true or the belief that it is false is bullshit. (pg. 34)
Personally the kicker for me was when the author then argues with the subtleties of various forms of 'bull' in the Oxford English Dictionary. As everyone knows, a dictionary oftentimes gives several examples to give the reader a sense of the meaning. The author sets each of these examples up on their own and mightily refutes them as either off track or too broad. To me this was a clear desire by the author to preserve the justification of the book.
Author continues his downward spiral to the last four word: "...sincerity itself is bullshit". This isn't a synopsis of the entire work but merely a new hypothesis stated on the last page. This one sounds interesting - too bad the book wasn't.
Title: On Bullshit (buy now)
Author: Harry G. Frankfurt
Final Thoughts: If anyone would like this book please email me and I will send you my copy - free of coarse.
