Science and Sanity - Wikiwand

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]