About arghXiv

arghXiv is an open-access archive for the sciences of the futile: the rigorous study of disagreement that does not resolve. Most of the holdings approach this from the side of the disputants. Some approach it from the side of the disputed quantity, on the principle that a measurement fine enough would settle the matter; the archive takes no position on that principle and files the results either way. Work is admitted on the strength of its method rather than the tractability of its question.

The archive is organised into 7 archives holding 25 subject classes between them. Both are listed on the front page; a class’s scope note appears on its own listing and on its archive’s page. An item is filed under one primary class and may be cross-listed under others; it appears in the listing for each.

Holdings

The archive holds 71 items: 9 held with their full text, 55 held as abstracts only, and 7 withdrawn at the request of their authors. Where an item is held as an abstract only, the reason the full text is not offered is recorded in the download panel of its abstract page; where an item has been withdrawn, the author’s notice appears in place of the abstract.

Submissions

arghXiv does not accept submissions. The policy is reviewed at each annual meeting of the Institute and has been reaffirmed at every review, most recently in March 2026.

Items have continued to be accessioned throughout. The policy does not address the relationship between these two facts.

The endorsement requirement that would apply to a submission is set out under endorsement.

Antecedents

Work deposited here cites predecessors the archive does not hold. Where those are documented, they are documented elsewhere: Hieronymus Unlonn (opens in a new tab) and Cornelis Baak (opens in a new tab). The archive takes no position on the accounts given there.

Operation

arghXiv is operated by the Institute for Terminal Discourse Studies, which is responsible for the subject classification, the holdings, and the policies published on this site. The Institute is also the depositor of most of them, and classifies the work of the bodies that dispute its findings.