Demarcation Pataphysics

A playful field that draws arbitrary and absurd boundaries between science and non‑science, then treats them with utmost seriousness. For example, declaring that only research conducted on Tuesdays counts as “science,” or that peer review requires the approval of at least three unicorns. Demarcation pataphysics exposes the contingency of real demarcation criteria by showing how easily they can be replaced with equally arbitrary rules. It is a weapon against scientific gatekeeping.

Example: “He proposed that any paper citing itself more than ten times should be reclassified as ‘pseudoscience.’ Demarcation pataphysics: mocking the line‑drawers by drawing a different line.”

Science Pataphysics

The pataphysical study of imaginary sciences, scientific theories that are internally consistent but refer to nothing real, and the social rituals of science performed as if their objects existed. Science pataphysics includes invented disciplines like “drainology” (the study of drains), “gnomonistics” (the art of sundial reading), and “unbecoming” (the study of things that never happen). It is a loving critique of science, celebrating its creativity while mocking its pretensions to final truth.

Example: “His science pataphysics lecture on ‘cryptopterology’ (the study of missing wings) used all the trappings of real science: abstracts, citations, graphs. The subject was entirely invented.”

Demarcation Pataphysics by Abzugal May 22, 2026