Defining Bullshit
Introduction
This post is another comparison of LLMs. This time I asked for a definition of bullshit. Kudos to GPT and Claude for explicitly mentioning the Grandfather of BS, Harry Frankfurt, who literally wrote the book “On Bullshit”.
Question
How would you define bullshit?
Responses
GPT
“Bullshit” can be understood as statements or assertions made without regard for truth or factual accuracy, often aimed at persuasion or creating a certain impression rather than genuinely conveying accurate information. Unlike lying, where the speaker knows and intentionally contradicts the truth, “bullshit” may involve a disregard for truth itself. The term was popularized in philosophy by Harry Frankfurt, who emphasized that a bullshitter is more concerned with influencing opinions than with the actual facts.
Claude 3
The term “bullshit” is a colloquial and somewhat vulgar expression that refers to statements, claims, or narratives that are false, misleading, or insincere. More specifically, bullshit often involves:
Misrepresentation: Presenting information in a way that distorts the truth or creates a false impression.
Exaggeration: Overstating or embellishing facts to make a point or persuade others.
Insincerity: Making statements without regard for their truthfulness, often to promote one’s own interests or deceive others.
Lack of substance: Engaging in empty rhetoric or making claims that lack evidence or credibility.
The philosopher Harry Frankfurt famously explored the concept in his essay “On Bullshit,” arguing that bullshit is distinct from lying in that the bullshitter has a greater disregard for the truth. While a liar knows the truth and intentionally subverts it, a bullshitter may not even care whether their statements are true or false, as long as they serve their intended purpose.
In common usage, people often use “bullshit” to express skepticism, frustration, or dismissal of statements they believe to be false, misleading, or insincere. The term is considered impolite in most formal contexts.
Gemini Advanced
Here’s how I’d define bullshit, considering its various uses:
Definitions
- Core Meaning: Nonsense, misleading statements, or information presented with the intent to deceive while disregarding the truth.
- Expletive: An expression of strong disagreement, disbelief, or annoyance (“That’s bullshit!”).
- Informal Verb: To lie, exaggerate, or speak in a misleading way.
Key Elements of Bullshit
- Disregard for Truth: Bullshit isn’t about making mistakes; it’s about presenting things as true when one doesn’t care if they are accurate or not.
- Intentionality: While mistakes can be unintentional, bullshit often involves deliberate deception.
- Persuasion: Bullshit often aims to convince or impress someone, rather than simply to convey information.
Distinguishing Bullshit from Lying
A lie involves intentionally stating something false with the intent to deceive. Bullshit is slightly different in that the person might not care if what they are saying is true or not. Their primary focus is on the effect of their words, not their accuracy.
Examples
- Advertising: An ad making outrageous claims about a product’s effectiveness.
- Politics: A politician stating something untrue but inflammatory to sway voters.
- Everyday Life: Someone making elaborate excuses without caring whether they’re believable.
Let me know if you’d like a more in-depth analysis of the concept, or examples of how to spot bullshit!