The Structure and Function of Bullshit

Introduction: Beyond Content—Understanding Bullshit Functionally

Bullshit is not merely about falsehoods or deception; it is a strategic use of language that serves particular functions in context. As Harry Frankfurt argued, bullshit differs from lying because the bullshitter is indifferent to truth—their concern is not whether what they say is true or false, but rather what effect their words produce.

To fully understand the structure of bullshit in language, we must move beyond evaluating the content of statementsand examine the functional role bullshit plays in communication. Using Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and Functional Contextualism, we can analyze how bullshit operates linguistically, contextually, and socially.

Bullshit as a Linguistic Process: Relational Frame Theory (RFT) Perspective

Relational Frame Theory (RFT) explains how language and cognition are shaped by learned relational networks. According to RFT, meaning is not inherent but emerges from relational associations between words, concepts, and contexts. Bullshit operates within these relational frames by exploiting flexible verbal relations for strategic purposes.

Key ways bullshit operates linguistically:

1. The Use of Arbitrary Frames of Coherence

• Bullshit relies on coherence within a given linguistic frame, even if it lacks external validity.

• Statements are structured not for accuracy but for internal consistency, reinforcing a narrative or agenda.

• Example: "Success comes from having the right mindset." This statement is vague yet appealing, linking an undefined "right mindset" to an outcome (success) without establishing causality.

2. Overextension of Derived Relations

• Bullshit frequently involves false equivalences or misleading relational frames.

• Example: "If X supports this policy, and X is a bad person, then the policy is bad."

• This frame of coordination simplifies complex issues into binary categories, avoiding substantive evaluation.

3. The Strategic Use of Deictic Framing to Shape Perception

• Deictic frames relate to perspective-taking (e.g., I/You, Here/There, Now/Then).

• Bullshitters manipulate these frames to position themselves as insightful, wise, or authoritative.

• Example: "People like you wouldn’t understand this high-level concept." This creates a hierarchical frame, positioning the speaker as superior.

The Function of Bullshit: A Functional Contextualist Approach

Functional Contextualism, a perspective within Contextual Behavioral Science, focuses on what language does in context, rather than merely what it says. In this view, bullshit serves specific psychological, social, and strategic functions beyond its surface-level content.

1. Bullshit as a Social Tool for Influence and Status

• Language is often performative rather than informative.

• Bullshit reinforces ingroup belonging, authority, and credibility, irrespective of factual accuracy.

• Example: Corporate jargon often maintains a sense of expertise and exclusivity, even when it lacks clear meaning (e.g., "leveraging synergies for scalable impact").

2. Bullshit as a Means of Avoiding Accountability

• By obscuring clear meaning, bullshit allows speakers to avoid direct scrutiny or contradiction.

• Example: Politicians often use vague, emotionally charged rhetoric to appear decisive while leaving interpretive room for multiple audiences.

3. Bullshit as a Mechanism for Psychological Comfort

• Bullshit reinforces pre-existing beliefs, reducing cognitive dissonance.

• This is especially powerful when ideological frames are in play.

• Example: "Everything happens for a reason." This phrase doesn’t explain anything, but provides emotional comfort by reinforcing a belief in fate or control.

4. Bullshit as a Strategy for Persuasion and Compliance

• Vague yet persuasive language increases compliance and agreement.

• Example: "We must all work together for a better future." This implies moral superiority without specifying action or accountability.

The Interplay Between Content and Function in Bullshit

While bullshit can be assessed in terms of content (truth vs. falsehood), it is far more revealing to analyze it in terms of function:

Dimension	Truth-Based Evaluation	Function-Based Evaluation
Claim	"This policy will improve the economy."	"What is the speaker trying to achieve by making this claim?"
Verification	Can we fact-check this?	How does this shape perception and influence?
Purpose	Is this true?	What social, political, or psychological role does this play?
Effect	Does this align with objective data?	Does this motivate, persuade, or manipulate?

Conclusion: Recognizing Bullshit Beyond Content

From a Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and Functional Contextualist perspective, bullshit is not simply about what is said but what it does. Evaluating bullshit requires moving beyond propositional content and analyzing its linguistic structure, contextual purpose, and social impact.

Recognising bullshit means:

• Identifying how relational frames construct misleading narratives.

• Assessing what function a statement serves in its context.

• Understanding that bullshit is not just deception—it is strategic language use.

By applying functional and contextual analysis, we can develop a more sophisticated bullshit detection system, focusing not just on what is being said, but why it is being said and what it seeks to achieve.