pataphysics

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Scope note
Refers to a philosophy of the absurd, or knowledge that eludes rational notions of causation or scientific inquiry. Coinage of the term is attributed to the writer Alfred Jarry to describe a "science of imaginary solutions." The concept, though originally speculative or fictional, has inspired publications, artworks, a literary school, and a society known as the Collège de 'pataphysique.
pataphysics
Accepted term: 29-Apr-2024