Does Chomsky's leftism affect his linguistics too?

Answer 1

Merely hearing the name Chomsky is enough to raise my blood pressure by half, and do to my field, I deal with him quite often. I can’t imagine how fried your brain would be if you spent your life studying those people on the left who have consistantly been on the wrong side of history in the most vocal of ways.

Answer 2

Nobody has answered your question directly, so I will give my best shot. And the most direct answer is no, his "leftism", or politics, does not affect his scientific work on language and its origins. In fact Chomsky has been asked this question quite a few times, in various forms. And he emphatically says no, since obviously they are too different fields of inquiry. But he does point out some abstract links, which I will now point out below.

So there may be some tenuous, abstract links between his work in linguistics and his political views. For example, in both of these areas of study, Chomsky is inspired by the need for the facts, for rational argumentation. He does not believe in any "procrustean bed" of thought, any dogmatism that should be accepted without critical inquiry. Which is why he has broken down established thought in both his study of language and politics.

Finally I would say (and so does Chomsky) there is perhaps an abstract link between his linguistics and politics because of his conception of human nature. Both his political views (especially his view on anarchism) and study of language are driven by a certain view of human nature. He often quotes the philosopher Wilhelm Von Humboldt, who said that "to inqiure and to create, these are the centers around which all human pursuits more or less directly revolve.... and all moral culture springs solely and immediately from the inner life of the soul and cannot be produced by external and artificial contrivances, " and it is the creative use of language and its grow from within, which expresses Chomsky view of language formation in the mind. And it is this view of the importance of creativity and individual self actualization which in no small part drives his belief in anarchistic forms of government-- a form of government freeing the individual from illegitimate forms of authority that obstruct creativity and human development.

So in short, direct connections/influence is zero...they are totally different field of study. However, if you abstract far enough, you can see a clear concept of human nature which directly influences both of these domains of inquiry...hope my answer helps.

Answer 3

Chomsky is that rare breed of person who is undeniably intelligent and cursed with stupidity.

He has an analytical mind. He can see relationships that elude other people. However, when it comes to politics, he always seems to draw the wrong conclusion. It is like the joke of the Lone Ranger and Tonto:

The Lone Ranger and Tonto are camping in the desert, set up their tent, and are asleep. Some hours later, The Lone Ranger wakes his faithful friend Tonto, and says, “look up at the sky and tell me what you see.”

Tonto replies, “Me see millions of stars.”

“What does that tell you?” ask The Lone Ranger.

Tonto ponders for a minute.....

· Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies, and potentially billions of planets.

· Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo.

· Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three.

· Theologically, it's evident the Lord is all powerful while we are small and insignificant.

· Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What it tell you, Kemo Sabi?

The Lone Ranger is silent for a moment, then speaks:
It means, Tonto...you Dumb @ss, that someone has stolen our tent !!!

Answer 4

Noam Chomsky explains exactly what is happening in the world today. I have read two of his books 'Hegemony or Survival" America's quest for global dominance. and "Failed States" the abuse of power and the assault on democracy.

alf..... I don't believe what you are saying! You are to slandering.

The titles speak thousands of words. This is exactly what is and has been going on within our country/government. Can you find a lie in what he has said.

Read the books. Or...you can download the lectures. Telling the truth has nothing to do with leftism. Accepting or rejecting the truth is up to you.

Answer 5

What exactly are you trying to ask? Have you ever really sat down and read any Chomsky? If so, what book? Chomsky is a brilliant man in linguistics and politics. He wouldn't be working at MIT if he wasn't.

Answer 6

The problem with all of the corrupt leaders and tyrants throughout history,and with Chomsky too,is that they all suffer from the same ideology,or if you prefer, mental illness.

Answer 7

I've read his linguistic writings and they seem pretty academic, insightful and not political. I would not wipe up the dog's mess with his political writings, however.

Answer 8

Noam...serious analysis requires an attentive mind set. (in other words...bring a lunch)

Answer 9

Noam Chomsky is smarter than you.

Answer 10

Yes, even surface study of his work shows his efforts to prove how 'bad' we are.

Just like Margaret Mead, Rachel Carson, and the multitude of global warming enviroflakes, left wing pseudo-scientists flavor their findings to prove some point that is aimed at destroying traditional culture or the US economy.

Answer 11

His linguistc theory was so revolutionary in its time it could only have come from a mind that is revolutionary all ways.