Science and Sanity, by Alfred Korzybski

715 Pages·2012·3.86 MB·English

• Contents
• Note on Errata
• Prefaces
• Preface to 5th Edition, 1993
• Preface to 4th Edition 1958
• Bibliographical Note 1958
• Preface to 3rd Edition 1948
• Introduction to 2nd Edition 1941
• A. Recent developments and the founding of the Institute of General Semantics
• B. Some difficulties to be surmounted
• 1. The attitudes of 'philosophers', etc.
• 2. Perplexities in theories of 'meaning'
• 3. Inadequacy of forms of representation and their structural revision
• 4. Identifications and mis-evalutations
• 5. Methods of the magician
• C. Revolutions and evolutions
• D. A non-aristotelian revision
• E. New factors: the havoc they play with our generalizations
• F. Non-aristotelian methods
• 1. Neurological mechanisms of extensionalization
• 2. Neuro-semantic relaxation
• 3. Extensional devices and some applications
• 4. Implications of the structure of language
• G. Over/Under defined terms
• H. The passing of the old aristotelian epoch
• 1. 'Maginot like mentalities'
• 2. Wars of and on nerves
• 3. Hitler and psycho-logical factors in his life
• 4. Education for intelligence and democracy
• Conclusion
• Acknowledgements
• Supplementary Bibliography to 2nd Edition
• Preface to 1st Edition 1933
• Acknowledgement
• Untitled
• Book I - A General Survey of Non-Aristotelian Factors
• Part I - Preliminaries
• 1. Aims, means and consequences of a non-aristotelian revision
• 2. Terminology and meanings
• A. On semantic reactions
• B. On the un-speakable objective level
• C. On 'copying' in our nervous reactions
• 3. Introduction
• Part II - General on structure
• 4. On structure
• 5. General linguistic
• 6. On symbolism
• 7. Linguistic revision
• Part III - Non-elementalistic structures
• 8. General epistemological
• 9. Colloidal behaviour
• 10. The 'organism-as-a-whole'
• A. Illustrations from biology
• B. Illustrations from nutrition experiments
• C. Illustrations from 'mental' and nervous diseases
• Part IV - Structural factors in non-aristotelian languages
• 11. On function
• 12. On order
• A. Undefined terms
• B. Order and the nervous system
• C. Structure, realtions, and multi-dimensional order
• D. Order and the problems of extension and intension
• E. Concluding remarks on order
• 13. On relations
• 14. On the notion of infinity
• 15. The 'infinitesimal' and 'cause and effect'
• 16. On the existence of relations
• 17. On the notions of 'matter', 'space', 'time'
• A. Structural considerations
• B. The neurological function of abstracting
• C. Problems of adjustment
• D. Semantic considerations
• Part V - On the non-aristotelian language called mathematics
• 18. Mathematics as a language of a structure simialr to the structure of the world
• 19. Mathematics as a language of a structure similar to the structure of the human nervous
system
• A. Introductory
• B. General
• C. The psycho-logical importance of the theory of aggregates and the theory of groups
• D. Similarity in structure of mathematics and of our nervous system
• Part VI - On the foundation of psychophysiology
• 20. General considerations
• 21. On conditional reflexes
• 22. On 'inhibition'
• 23. On conditional reactions of higher orders and psychiatry
• Book II - A General Introduction to Non-Aristotelian Systems And General Semantics
• Part VII - On the mechanism of time-binding
• 24. On abstracting
• 25. On the structural differential
• 26. On 'consciouness' and consciousness of abstracting
• 27. Higher order abstractions
• A. General
• B. Multiordinal terms
• C. Confusion of higher orders of abstraction
• 28. On the mechanism of identification and visualization
• 29. On non-aristotelian training
• 30. Identification, infantilism, and un-snaity versus sanity
• A. General
• B. Consciousness of abstracting
• C. Infantilism
• D. Constructive suggestions
• 31. Concluding remarks
• Book III - Additional Structural Data About Languages And The Empirical World
• Prefatory Remarks
• Part VIII - On the structure of mathematics
• 32. On the semantics of the differential calculus
• A. Introductory
• B. On the differential calculus
• 1. General considerations
• 2. Maxima and minima
• 3. Curvature
• 4. Velocity
• C. On the integral calculus
• D. Further applications
• 1. Partial differentiation
• 2. Differential equations
• 3. Methods of approximation
• 4. Periodic functions and waves
• 33. On linearity
• 34. On geometry
• A. Introductory
• B. On the notion of the 'internal theory of surfaces'
• C. Space-Time
• D. The application of geometrical notions to cerebral localization
• Part IX - On the similarity of empirical and verbal structures
• 35. Action by contact
• 36. On the semantics of the Einstein theory
• 37. On the notion of 'simultaneity'
• 38. On the 'world' of Minkowski
• 39. General reflections on the Einstein theory
• Part X - On the structure of 'matter'
• 40. The older 'matter'
• 41. The newer 'matter'
• A. Introductory
• B. The nature of the problem
• C. Matrices
• D. The operator calculus
• E. The new quantum mechanics
• F. The wave mechanism
• G. Structural aspects of the new theories
• Supplement I - The Logic of Relativity
• Supplement II - The Theory of Types
• Supplement III - A Non-Aristotelian System And Its Necessity For Rigour In Mathematics And
Physics
• Notes And References
• Bibliography
• Catalog
• Index
SCIENCE
AND
SANITY
AN INTRODUCTION TO NON-ARISTOTELIAN SYSTEMS AND GENERAL
SEMANTICS
BY
ALFRED KORZYBSKI
AUTHOR, Manhood of Humanity
FOUNDER. INSTITUTE OF GENERAL SEMANTICS
---~-:-::===
INSTITUTE OF GENERAL SEMANTICS
..The progress of modem science, including the flew science ofman as a lime-binder, has been due
uniquely to the freedom of scientists to revise their fundamemal assumptions, terminologies,
undefined terms, which involve hidden assumptions, etc., underlying our reflections, a freedom
prohibited in 'primitive sciences' and also in dictatorships, past and present."
From Manhood ofHumanity
"The aim of the work of Aristotle and the work of the non-aristolelians is similar, except for the date
of our human development and the advance of science. The problem is whether we shall deal with
science and scientific methods of 350 B.C. or of [today]. In general semantics. in building up a non-
aristotelian system, the aims of Aristotle are preserved yet scientific methods are brought up to date."
From the author's Introduction to the 2nd Edition
"General semamics is not any 'philosophy', or 'psychology', or 'logic', in the ordinary sense. It is a new
extensional discipline which explains and trains us how to use our nervous systems most efficiently. It
is not a medical science, but like bacteriology, it is indispensable for medicine in general and for
psychiatry, mental hygiene, and education in particular. In brief, il is the formulation of a new non-
aristotelian system of orientation which affects every branch ofscience and life. The separate issues
involved are not entirely new; their methodological formulation as a system which is workable,
teachable and so elementary that it can be applied by children, is entirely new."
From the author's Introduction to lhe 2nd Edition
Information on the Institute and ils programs and publications available from:
Institute of General Semamics
Phone: 718·921·7093
86 85th Street
Fax:
718-921-4276
Brooklyn, New York
11209·4208 Email: [email protected]
USA
Web:
www.General-Semaotics.org
Leadin A Revolution in Human Evaluatin ™
ISBN 0-93729B-01-8
"1 must stress that I give no panaceas, but experience shows that when the methods of general
semantics are applied, the results are usually beneficial, whether in business, management, etc.,
medicine, law, education on all levels, or personal inter-relationships, be they in family, national or
international fields. If they are not applied, but merely talked about, no results can be expected.
"In general semantics we are concerned with the sanity of the race, including particularly methods of
prevention; eliminating from home, elementary, and higher education inadequate aristOlelian types of
evaluation which too often lead to the un-sallity of the race, and building up for the first time a
positive theory of sanity, as a workable non-aristotelian system.
''The task ahead is gigantic if we are to avoid more personal, national, and even international
tragedies based on unpredictability, insecurity, fears, anxieties, etc., which are steadily disorganizing
the functioning of the human nervous system. Only when we face these facts fearlessly and
intelligently may we save for future civilizations whatever there is left to save, and build from the
ruins of a dying epoch a new and saner society.
"A non-aristotelian re-orientation is inevitable; the only problem today is when, and at what cost."
From the author's Preface to the Third Edition and Introduction 10 the Second Edition
..... Korzybski was not only a bold innovator, but also a brilliant synthesizer of available data into a
coherent system. This system, when internalized and applied, can create a saner and more peaceful
world,justifying the title of this book, Science and Sal/ity."
From the Preface to the Fifth Edition by Robert P. Pula
SCIENCE
AND
SANITY
KORZYBSKI
TH
5
EDITION
__A.__
or
IIISTI11lTE GJ:lIERAL SBlWTICS
THE INSTlTUTEOFGENERAlSEMANTICS was founded in 1938 in Chicago and is now located in
Brooklyn, New York. The seminar training program continues to be carried on, and an increasing
number of universities, colleges, secondary and elementary schools offer courses in general
semantics, or integrate the methodology in the teaching of other courses.
ALFRED KORZYBSKI belonged to an old Polish family which had
produced mathematicians, engineers, scientists, etc. for generations. Born in
Warsaw in 1879, he was trained as an engineer, and during the First World
War was attached to the General Staff Intelligence Department of the Second
Russian Army. Later he served in various military capacities in this country
and
Canada. After the publication of Manhood of Humanity in 1921, he remained in the United Stales and
developed the methodology by which his new theory of time·binding could be applied. These studies
culminated in Science and Sanity in 1933. He was the Founder and Director of the Institute of
General Semantics, established in 1938 as the center for training in his work, and continued to lecture
and write until his death in 1950.
ALSO BY THE AUTHOR
Manhood of Humanity, 1921; 2nd Ed. Institute of General Semantics, 1950.
Time-Binding: The General Theory. Two Papers, 19241926.
"The Role of Language in the Perceptual Processes." Topic IX, Clinical Psychology Symposium
1949-1950 in Perception: An Approach to Personality. Ronald Press, New York, 1951.
Alfred Konybski: Collected Writing.s. 1920-1950, Coil. & Arr. by M. Kendig. I" Ed. Institute of
General Semantics, 1990.
SCIENCE AND SANITY
International Non-Aristotelian Library
Founder: Alfred Korzybski Executive Editor: Charlotte S. Read
VOLUMES ALREADY PUBLISHED
Published or Distributed by the Institute of General Semantics
MANHOOD OF HUMANITY: THE SCIENCE AND ART OF HUMAN ENGINEERING.
ND
E. P. DUTTON, NEW YORK, 1921; 2 ED.•
INSTITUTE OF GENERAL SEMANTICS (IGS), DISTRIBUTORS, 1950 by A. KORZYBSKI TIME-BINDING: THE GENERAL THEORY, 1924-1926 by
A. KORZYBSKI SCIENCE AND SANITY. . ,.. by A. KORZYBSKI SELECTIONS FROM SCIENCE AND SANITY, 1948, by A. KORZYBSKI . . . . ..
COMPILED by G. E. JANSSEN GENERAL SEMANTICS SEMINAR 1937: TRANSCRIPTION OF NOTES FROM LECTURES
INGENERALSEMANTICSGIVEN ATOLIVETCOLLEGE. ................... .. by A. KORZYBSKI PAPERS FROM THE FiRST AMERICAN CONGRESS ON
GENERAL SEMANTICS, 1938..... ED. by H. BAUGH PAPERS FROM THE SECOND AMERICAN CONGRESS ON GENERAL SEMANTICS: NON-
ARISTOTELIAN
METHODOLOGY (ApPLIED) FOR SANITY IN OUR TIME, 1943 ED. by M. KENDIG INTRODUCTORY LECTURES ON GENERAL SEMANTICS,
1944 by FRANCIS P. CHISHOLM LEVELS OF KNOWING AND EXISTENCE: STUDIES IN GENERAL SEMANTICS. HARPER,
ND
NEW YORK, 1959; 2 ED., IGS, 1973 , by HARRY L. WEINBERG WORDS AND WHAT THEY Do TO YOU: BEGINNING LESSONS IN GENERAL
SEMANTICS FOR JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL. ROW. PETERSON.
ND
EVANSTON, 1953; 2 ED., IGS. 1965 by CATHERINE MINTEER GENERAL SEMANTICS MONOGRAPHS III, A THEORY OF MEANING
ANALYZED, 1942
FOREWORD..... ,................................. .. by A. KORZYBSKI AND M. KENDIG
THREE SEPARATE PAPERS, .... by T. C. POLLOCK, J. G. SPAULDING AND ALLEN WALKER READ
GENERAL SEMANTICS MONOGRAPHS IV, SCIENTIFIC EPISTEMOLOGIC BACKGROUNDS OF GENERAL
SEMANTICS, 1959
by MARJORIE SWANSON
ALFRED KORZYBSKI: COLLECTED WRITINGS, 1920-1950. 1990
COLL. AND ARR. by M. KENDIG
GRADUATE RESEARCH IN GENERAL SEMANTICS, 1992
,
COMP.byKENNETHJOHNSON
THINKING CREATICALLY, 1991
ED. by KENNETH JOHNSON
GENERAL SEMANTICS BULLETIN:
JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF GENERAL SEMANTICS
ED. by JAMES D. FRENCH
By Other Publishers
LANGUAGE HABITS IN HUMAN AFFAIRS: AN INTRODUCTION TO GENERAL SEMANTICS. HARPER
ND
NEW YORK, 1941; 2 ED. by SANFORD BERMAN, ED., 1994, INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY
FORGENERALSEMANTICS (!SGS) ,................... .. BYIRVING J.LEE PEOPLE IN QUANDARIES: THE SEMANTICS OF PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT.
HARPER, NEW YORK, 1946; 7'" PRINTING, ISGS, 1996 ..........•..... by WENDELL JOHNSON How TO DEVELOP YOUR THINKING ABILITY.
McGRAW HILL, NEW YORK, 1950 .......................•..... by KENNETH S. KEYES, JR. THE ART OF AWARENESS. WM. C. BROWN, DUBUQUE, 1966;
3RDED. 1978 ..........•.. byJ.S. BOIS TEACHING GENERAL SEMANTICS. ISGS, 1969 .. , ED. by MARY MORAIN MAKING SENSE: EXPLORING
SEMANTICS AND CRITICAL
THINKING. GLOBE, NEW YORK, 1974 by ROBERT POTTER CLASSROOM EXERCISES IN GENERAL SEMANTICS. ISGS, 1980 ED. by MARY