Illogicalism

Illogicalism is a philosophical perspective, or more broadly, a way of thinking, that rejects the principles of traditional logic, such as the laws of identity, non-contradiction, and the excluded middle. It posits that reason and logic are not necessarily the only, or even the best, tools for understanding reality, and that there may be other ways of knowing, such as intuition, emotion, or experience, which are just as, if not more, valid and valuable. Illogicalism can manifest in various domains, including art, literature, and social thought, leading to non-linear narratives and unconventional arguments.

Illogicalism meaning with examples

• In some schools of surrealist art, Illogicalism is embraced, with artists deliberately creating imagery that defies rational explanation to explore the unconscious. These artists reject representational art styles to encourage the viewer to think creatively, and the focus shifts away from accuracy towards expressionism.
• When interpreting certain philosophical texts, Illogicalism suggests that the author may be intentionally challenging the confines of conventional logic to convey profound ideas that resist simple logical breakdown and instead require a level of intuition and the ability to go beyond standard rational assumptions.
• Certain forms of political rhetoric sometimes employ Illogicalism, utilizing emotionally charged language, contradictions, and appeals to faith over evidence to sway public opinion and bypass rational debate and focus on emotional response. This is most prevalent in forms of extremist views.
• Within the realm of religious experiences, Illogicalism is often implicitly present, where certain spiritual beliefs and revelations, despite their perceived significance, may be based on principles that appear to be illogical from a purely rational standpoint. This is where the 'leap of faith' is taken.