Noam Chomsky - Politics

[Syd]

I searched for 'Chomsky', but found no actual threads discussing him on SF, only one thread where his name was mentioned randomly.

Anyway, I'm not going to bother defining what he's about, as that basic information is readily available on the web.

This thread is to discuss your opinions on Chomsky's political viewpoints. To get started, it might be good for us to discuss some of his articles, as they're brief enough for everyone here to read and respond to, whereas not everyone has time to read his books. (the main page from the above link additionally includes videos/ audio, which are also suitable for this thread if you prefer that medium)

You can give us your general thoughts on his ideologies, or give direct feedback on one of his articles/ lectures. (be sure to include the link for us so we can read it too)

I'll let someone else begin, as I don't really have any opinions to share at the moment.

 

[suicide_ideation]

I LOVE CHOMSKY.

He is a modern Albert Einstein. Of all of us that are alive today, he is the one that will be most remembered. He belongs right next to Einstein and Beethoven.

He is the most important linguist of the past 100 years. He influenced/contributed in other fields as well.

He describes himself as Libertarian-Socialist. And he's a critic US foreign policy.

That's what I know about the guy. He's one of the people I most admire.

:biggrin:

 

[Syd]

That's great, I was really hoping there would be some others here interested in Chomsky's ideas.

Check this out: Noam Chomsky on Education.

I finally found some of his thoughts on one of the issues that is most important to me, education. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself agreeing with just about everything he says, though I'm left wondering what else he might say on these topics if more specific questions were asked. I've highlighted my favorite quotes below.

The school system tries to repress independence; it tries to teach obedience. Kids and other people are not induced to challenge and question. In school one is to repeat, obey, follow orders, and so on (138). ... designed to teach obedience and conformity and prevent the child's natural capacities from developing

Amen. A huge problem with current public schools is the lack of curriculums designed to encourage critical thinking. Those who are the most submissive excel in school, independent thinkers are often criticized and struggle in authoritarian learning environments. Rote memorization is the favored skill, while creativity is just not given much attention.

99% of teaching is making students feel interested in the material; other 1% has to do with your methods.

This is what I've been telling people for years. It's not the students' responsibility to become interested in learning, it's OUR responsibility as a society to attract students to learning. The educational system should cater to the individual rather than the individual trying to adjust his or herself to the current system.

Everyone should be educated. You want to press your capacities to the limits. You want to appreciate what you can do.

 

[Bostonensis]

Damn ; nobody knows that? I never met the guy but I can guarantee he is a Leftee. Syd can you find out if the guy had played tennis/ ten'ez before? Just a curiosity bugging me. This smiley face teeth are incorrect,sorry bout that.

 

[Bostonensis]

O I really hate this smiley face. It looks like something I cannot describe.Its in between a tennis ball half submerged in a waiter's arse.

 

[Esmeralda]

My only experience with Chomsky was his approach to linguistics. We studied him in my French linguistics class. His ideas on the evolution of language are very interesting.