Is this
pataphysics?
—
‘Pataphysics is impossible to explain with any precision, and harder to understand. In fact as Andrew Hugill cautions, “To understand pataphysics is to fail to understand pataphysics.”
“The Tao that can be named is not the
True Dao.” - Lao Tzu
Yet, we can be ‘pataphysics. We can work within the vast space of potential that patapysics opens up for us.
Everything is pataphysics, and we are all pataphysicians (wheter we know this or not).
So what? So—
"If physics proposes: 'You have a brother and he likes cheese,' then metaphysics replies, 'If you have a brother, he likes cheese.' But 'Pataphysics says: 'You don’t have a brother and he likes cheese.'"
—Georges Perec
This is perhaps the single best definition of pataphysics. And as good a place as any to begin for anyone interested in learning more.
Defintions:
To Read:
- Exploits and Opinions of Dr. Faustroll, Pataphysician by Alfred Jarry
- Pataphysics: A Useless Guide by Andrew Hugill
- Alfred Jarry: A Pataphysical Life by Alastair Brotchie
- Pataphysics Unrolled by Katie L. Price and Michael R. Taylor