Return-Path: list-relay@UCSD.EDU
Date: Tue, 28 May 1996 10:03:27 -0400 (EDT)
From: thomas conroy <conroyt@acs.bu.edu>
Subject: Re: Sokal "hoax"
To: "Michael I. Lichter" <lichter@ucla.edu>
In-Reply-To: <v02140b08adcfeb1fe559@[164.67.22.94]>

  re: the Sokal "hoax"

  I've read it, and it seems to be the sort of thing that, while unclear 
in some of the details, and rather grandiose in its overall claims (i.e., 
that deconstructionism and post-modernism closely parallel 
post-relativity physics), is also available for being read as an 
interesting think piece. However, upon knowing that it represents a hoax, 
it seems rather clear to be a sarcastic swipe at the social sciences, 
particularly the sociology of scientific knowledge, post-modernism and 
critical theory. However, since Professor Sokal pulls statements and 
concepts out of context, he ultimately indicts himself, that is, if his 
intention had been to use irony/satire to make a serious, critical point. 
If his point had been more innocent, to simply have literary fun, I'm 
sure that there would be more appropriate forums than the pages of 
Social Text, a journal I still think well of (though I would like to hear 
something from them about how submitted articles are evaluated, now).