Noam Chomsky: Lover of linguistics, the USA... not so much

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Aug 18, 2023

Noam Chomsky, linguist, cognitive scientist, media theorist, political activist, and cultural commentator, discusses topics such as linguistics, politics, and the war in Ukraine. The podcast explores the linguistic aspects of language and group identity, the impact of neoliberalism on labor unions, Jeremy Corbyn's controversies, and the invasion of Ukraine as a war crime. It also delves into Finland and Sweden's perspectives on joining NATO, the influence of corporations and anti-science movements, and reflects on Noam Chomsky's unique qualities and ideological views.

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INSIGHT

Language's Social Function

Language is not solely functional; it plays a role in group identity and cultural creativity.
Less technological societies often exhibit more linguistic innovation and complex language games.

ANECDOTE

Chomsky on Poetry

Chomsky deflects discussing poetry, claiming no expertise and referencing William Empson's work instead.
He suggests exploring Empson's "Seven Types of Ambiguity" for insights into poetry's effect on thought.

INSIGHT

Chomsky on PR

Chomsky downplays the significance of PR and public image.
He prefers to focus on substance over accolades.

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OK, so we're finally getting around to taking a chunk out of the prodigious, prolific, and venerable Noam Chomsky. Linguist, cognitive scientist, media theorist, political activist and cultural commentator, Chomsky is a doyen of the Real Left™. By which we mean, of course, those who formulated their political opinions in their undergraduate years and have seen no reason to move on since then. Yes, he looks a bit like Treebeard these days but he's still putting most of us to shame with his productivity. And given the sheer quantity of his output, across his 90 decades, it might be fair to say this is more of a nibble of his material.

A bit of a left-wing ideologue perhaps, but seriously - what a guy. This is someone who made Richard Nixon's List of Enemies, debated Michel Foucault, had a huge impact on several academic disciplines, and campaigned against the war in Vietnam & the Indonesian occupation of East Timor. Blithe stereotypes of Chomsky will sometimes crash against uncomfortable facts, including that he has been a staunch defender of free speech, even for Holocaust deniers...

A full decoding of his output would likely require a dedicated podcast series, so that's not what you're gonna get here. Rather we apply our lazer-like focus and blatantly ignore most of his output to examine four interviews on linguistics, politics, and the war in Ukraine. There is some enthusiastic nodding but also a fair amount of exasperated head shaking and sighs. But what did you expect from two milquetoast liberals?

Also featuring: a discussion of the depraved sycophancy of the guru-sphere and the immunity to cringe superpower as embodied by Brian Keating, Peter Boghossian, and Bret Weinstein mega-fans.

Enjoy!

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