Science and Sanity

Science and Sanity: An Introduction to Non-Aristotelian Systems and General Semantics is a 1933 philosophy book written by Alfred Korzybski.[1][2][3] Published by the Institute of General Semantics,[4] it remains in print, the sixth edition released in 2023.[5] It's considered Korzybski's magnum opus.[6]

Korzybski argued that common natural languages are of limited value in sciences.[7] He wanted to help humankind to create better languages to handle reality.[8] He advocated for the necessity of more rigor in both math and physics.[9]

In the book, Korzybski makes distinction between the words "insane" and "unsane".[10]

The book argues for the use of non-Aristotelian logic in the sciences.[2] Korzybski was accused of being anti-Aristotle.[3]

Korzybski intended the book to serve as a training manual.[11] In 1948, Korzybski authorized publication of Selections from Science and Sanity after educators voiced concerns that at more than 800 pages, the full book was too bulky and expensive.[12]

See also

• General semantics
• The map is not the territory
• Nervous system

References

1. Korzybski, Alfred (2023) [1933]. Science and Sanity: An Introduction to Non-Aristotelian Systems and General Semantics (6 ed.). Institute of General Semantics. ISBN 9781970164220.
2. Temple, G. (1935). "Science and Sanity: An Introduction to Non-Aristotelian Systems and General Semantics. By Alfred Korzybski . Lancaster, Penn., and New York: The International Non-aristotelian Library Publishing Company, 1933. Pp. xx + 798". Philosophy. 10 (38): 245–247. doi:10.1017/S0031819100018635. ISSN 0031-8191.
3. Baker, Joseph E. (1945). "The Science of Man". College English. 6 (7). National Council of Teachers of English: 395–401. doi:10.2307/371069. ISSN 0010-0994. JSTOR 371069. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
4. Review by Bobby Matherne: https://southerncrossreview.org/26/matherne-bookreview.htm
5. Levinson, Martin H. (2024). "BOOK REVIEW". ETC: A Review of General Semantics. 81 (1). Institute of General Semantics: 147–148. ISSN 0014-164X.
6. Reesinck, J. J. M. (1946). "On Korzybski". Synthese. 5 (5/6). Springer: 231–236. doi:10.1007/BF02274385. ISSN 0039-7857. JSTOR 20113869. Retrieved 2025-01-12.
7. Haslam, Gerald (1970). "Korzybski's Quest". ETC: A Review of General Semantics. 27 (1). Institute of General Semantics: 67–80. ISSN 0014-164X. JSTOR 42574611. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
8. Lahman, Mary P. (2013). "General Semantics: Understanding Korzybski's Formulations". ETC: A Review of General Semantics. 70 (2). Institute of General Semantics: 111–119. ISSN 0014-164X. JSTOR 42579251. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
9. Korzybski, A. (1933). Science and sanity. An introduction to non-Aristotelian systems and general semantics. International Non-Aristotelian Library.
10. Kenneth G. Johnson - Korzybski on Research: Suggestions from Science and Sanity, available at the book General Semantics in Psychotherapy: Selected Writings on Methods Aiding Therapy pp. 185–201
11. Robertson, Thomas (1949-06-09). "Views and Reviews: SCIENCE AND SANITY". The New English Weekly. XXXV (9): 103–104 – via reproduction in General Semantics Bulletin, Numbers 1&2, Autumn-Winter 1949–1950, Institute of General Semantics, Lakeville, CT, pp. 51–52.
12. Korzybski, Alfred (2010) [1948]. "Author's Note". Selections from Science and Sanity: An Introduction to Non-Aristotelian Systems and General Semantics (2 ed.). Institute of General Semantics. p. xi. ISBN 9780982755914.

Further reading

• Hayakawa, S. I. (1943). "'Science and Sanity'". American Speech. 18 (3). Duke University Press, American Dialect Society]: 219–226. doi:10.2307/487465. ISSN 0003-1283. JSTOR 487465. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
• Postman, Neil (2003). "Alfred Korzybski". ETC: A Review of General Semantics. 60 (4). Institute of General Semantics: 354–361. ISSN 0014-164X. JSTOR 42578329. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
• Read, Allen Walker (2017). "The Semiotic Aspect of Alfred Korzybski's General Semantics". ETC: A Review of General Semantics. 74 (3/4). Institute of General Semantics: 403–408. ISSN 0014-164X. JSTOR 48617445. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
• Lundberg, G. A. (1937). "KORZYBSKI. Science and Sanity (Book Review)". Social Forces, 16(1), 291.

External link

• Limited preview of the book at archive.org