In
quantum mechanics, for example, one often uses
what are called
projection operators. Let me
explain in mathematics first, then English.
Consider a vector |q>, and apply an operator
P to it: P|q>.
P is a projection operator or
projector if a reapplication of the operator leaves
the result unchanged:
P2|q> =
P|q>
The idea is that P projects the vector
in a certain direction. Once this is done, the result
cannot be further oriented thusly. P2
= P.
In plain English, there are some things which
are either true or false. You can't super-empregnate
someone. Once you kill someone, you can't make them
more dead. And if someone
one is bullshitting you, quantity doesn't matter.
Bullshit squared is still just bullshit.
Therefore, bullshit is a projection operator.
(Yes, I'm aware I'm a geek. Deal with it.)
I suppose you can contrast this with the philosophy
expressed in Pauli's exclamation:
"It's so bad it's not even wrong!"