A popular dismissal of political campaign speeches is “It’s all a bunch of BS!” [although the initials aren’t always used]. The same judgment is often charged to the political pundits who try to comment on them. You know: “BS about BS.” I would like to comment seriously about not the expression but the concept. I try to put it in conceptual terms, as well as polite language, to study its seriousness. What is popularly called “BS” is intentional nonsense irresponsibly indifferent to truth for the precise purpose of deceiving for self-serving purposes (I can predict one or two of my favorite readers, reading as carelessly as they usually do, will jump on this as itself such, because they need to think to understand. But I’m serious and speak forthrightly.)

The subject has been researched and explained by Dr. Harry G. Frankfurt, professor of philosophy at Princeton University. Twenty-three years ago he read a scholarly paper at a professional society entitled, straightforwardly, “On BS.” Only, he was bold enough to use the actual word. It is one word, because “bull” is not an adjective, and the other word the noun—they are used together as metaphor. Three years ago Princeton University Press published his paper expanded into a book, using the same title (again without initials). (If the expression makes you feel squeamish, you might substitute “Bloated Silliness,” but, frankly, it doesn’t have the same force.)

Frankfurt observes it is usually perceived by its users as an acceptable substitute for lying. I have noticed they often protest any protest to such usage as being “at least better than lying.” It isn’t, and Frankfurt explains why. Conscious liars actually know what is true and respect the truth, and it is precisely for this reason they lie. This is to say, they fear what truth will accomplish if known, and they lie to hide or even destroy the fearful truth. The BS-people care not about truth but their own self-serving purposes. To them, what is true has no value and is always beside their point.

When people habitually disregard truth because they are indifferent to it, they soon lose their ability to recognize truth. But, not to worry, truth doesn’t mater, anyway. So, when they misrepresent truth, they choose to think it is not technically a lie, because the truth was not in their minds. They don’t mind speaking the truth when it serves their purpose, however. They aren’t very good at it, because when their statements have been consistently BS, the truth out of their mouths sounds the same.

They make claims without a merit, argue without reason, assert without evidence, and act without authority. They are at once presumptuous and pretentious. It’s all…

It’s nonsense, and they know it is. Yet, after a while they forget it’s nonsense and talk with such self-assurance many people think it just must be so or they wouldn’t dare talk this way. Believe me, they do. Again, it is not that they oppose truth but are indifferent to it. If they allowed themselves to be conscious of truth, they would trip themselves up. It is only by disregarding truth they can go on so confidently and even convincingly. What matters is not truth but what they want to mislead people into thinking is true, because it is the non-truth nonsense that serves their selfish purpose.

Even several things that are true in themselves do not necessarily add up to the truth, when other truths are deceptively withheld. You can make several true statements but manipulate them so as to lead others to reach a conclusion that is not at all true. When you know others will be led to falsehood and this is what you intend, I can but call this a lie. BS is lying.

Now, I have found it convenient to use politicians as cases-in-point, but they are, by no means, alone. Anyone is capable of BS, and many are very good at it. I speak not to dissuade them, because they are already indifferent to the truth I speak.

I appeal to those who want people to say what they mean and mean what they say. I appeal to be aware of the tricks and be on guard.

Don’t accept it from politicians, merchants, the media, teachers, preachers, or your best friend. I don’t encourage the popular expression, and I don’t expect you to quote my definition. I do hope to raise your BS-aversion.