Noam Chomsky is one of the most influential thinkers of our time,
yet his views are often misunderstood. In this previously
unpublished series of interviews, Chomsky discusses his
iconoclastic and important ideas concerning language, human nature
and politics. In dialogue with James McGilvray, Professor of
Philosophy at McGill University, Chomsky takes up a wide variety of
topics the nature of language, the philosophies of language and
mind, morality and universality, science and common sense, and the
evolution of language. McGilvray's extensive commentary helps
make this incisive set of interviews accessible to a variety of
readers. The volume is essential reading for those involved in the
study of language and mind, as well as anyone with an interest in
Chomsky's ideas.
Advance praise: 'This clear and relaxed conversation, illuminating for specialists and newcomers, locates Chomsky's linguistics within his larger conception of human inquiry. McGilvray asks the right questions and offers helpful editorial supplements.' Paul M. Pietroski, University of Maryland
'This clear and relaxed conversation, illuminating for specialists and newcomers, locates Chomsky's linguistics within his larger conception of human inquiry. McGilvray asks the right questions and offers helpful editorial supplements.' Paul M. Pietroski, University of Maryland 'Noam Chomsky has long been recognized as a founding genius of modern linguistics. These compelling and carefully organized interviews illustrate why ... The book is truly exceptional in affording an accessible and readable introduction to Chomsky's broad-based and cutting-edge theorizing. A must-read!' Robert J. Stainton, University of Western Ontario 'An indispensable presentation, in engaging interview form, of Noam Chomsky's evolving ideas about the scientific investigation of language and human nature, with illuminating explication by interviewer James McGilvray.' Howard Lasnik, University of Maryland 'By bringing the two sides of Chomsky's career together in ways that his specialist works have eschewed, the conversations recorded in (this book) remind us that the 'Chomsky problem' is no individual foible, but the deepest ideological contradiction of our age.' Times Literary Supplement
James McGilvray is Associate Professor of Philosophy at McGill University.
Inhaltsangabe
Introduction; Part I. The Science of Language and Mind: 1. Language, function, communication: language and the use of language; 2. On a formal theory of language and its accommodation to biology. The distinctive nature of human concepts; 3. Representation and computation; 4. More on human concepts; 5. Reflections on the study of language; 6. Parameters, canalization, innateness, universal grammar; 7. Development, master/control genes, etc.; 8. Perfection and design (interview 20 January 2009); 9. Universal grammar and simplicity; 10. On some intellectual ailments of scientists; 11. The place of language in the mind; 12. Chomsky's intellectual contributions; 13. Simplicity and its role in Chomsky's work; 14. Chomsky and Nelson Goodman; Part II. Human Nature and its Study: 15. Chomsky on human nature and human understanding; 16. Human nature and evolution: thoughts on sociobiology and evolutionary psychology; 17. Human nature again; 18. Morality and universalization; 19. Optimism and grounds for it; 20. Language, agency, common sense, and science; 21. Philosophers and their roles; 22. Biophysical limitations on understanding; 23. Epistemology and biological limits; 24. Studies of mind and behavior and their limitations; 25. Linguistics and politics.
Inhaltsangabe
Introduction Part I. The Science of Language and Mind: 1. Language, function, communication: language and the use of language 2. On a formal theory of language and its accommodation to biology. The distinctive nature of human concepts 3. Representation and computation 4. More on human concepts 5. Reflections on the study of language 6. Parameters, canalization, innateness, universal grammar 7. Development, master/control genes, etc. 8. Perfection and design (interview 20 January 2009) 9. Universal grammar and simplicity 10. On some intellectual ailments of scientists 11. The place of language in the mind 12. Chomsky's intellectual contributions 13. Simplicity and its role in Chomsky's work 14. Chomsky and Nelson Goodman Part II. Human Nature and its Study: 15. Chomsky on human nature and human understanding 16. Human nature and evolution: thoughts on sociobiology and evolutionary psychology 17. Human nature again 18. Morality and universalization 19. Optimism and grounds for it 20. Language, agency, common sense, and science 21. Philosophers and their roles 22. Biophysical limitations on understanding 23. Epistemology and biological limits 24. Studies of mind and behavior and their limitations 25. Linguistics and politics.
