Sokal
The term "Sokal" often refers to the Sokal Affair, a notable incident in academic publishing that occurred in 1996. Physicist Alan Sokal submitted a deliberately nonsensical paper to the cultural studies journal Social Text to test the boundaries of academic rigor. The paper, titled "Transgressing the Boundaries: Toward a Transformative Hermeneutics of Quantum Gravity," was accepted and published, highlighting concerns about the quality of peer review in certain academic fields.
The Sokal Affair sparked widespread debate about the intersection of science and the humanities, particularly regarding the interpretation of scientific concepts in social contexts. It raised questions about the validity of postmodernist thought and the responsibilities of scholars in maintaining intellectual integrity. The incident remains a significant reference point in discussions about academic standards and the role of critical thinking in research.