Description
Book Synopsis* Noam Chomsky is one of the most influential figures in contemporary intellectual life, known for his groundbreaking contributions to a range of fields from linguistics to political theory.
Trade Review"This is a remarkably comprehensive yet accessible introduction to Chomsky's views about human nature, how to study it, and its various manifestations in language and politics. McGilvray's obvious enthusiasm for the subject is displayed in a text that is stunningly well researched, historically rich, empirically informed, and philosophically engaged throughout."
Paul Pietroski, University of Maryland "McGilvray has achieved something extraordinary with this compact, accessible and penetrating text. Not only does he insightfully connect Chomsky’s voluminous contributions to current affairs with his equally voluminous work in generative grammar and philosophy of mind and language, he also gets the complex synthesis exactly right. The result is a tour de force. From now on, his is the book on Chomsky that I will direct my students to."
Robert Stainton, University of Western Ontario "This text highlights Chomsky’s exceptional contribution to the science of language as a biological organ, to the naturalistic theory of mind, and to the view of political systems as means to meet the fundamental needs of humans. McGilvray cleverly evidences Chomsky’s unification of the science of language, human nature and politics."
Anna Maria Di Sciullo, University of Québec at Montréal
"This book provides an accessible introduction to Chomsky. Researchers and students of linguistics, philosophy, cognitive science and politics will find it an interesting read."
Political Studies ReviewTable of ContentsPreface vi
Introduction 1
1 Chomsky’s Contributions 7
2 The Mind and Its Sciences 26
3 Partitioning the Mind: Bad and Good Cognitive Science 52
4 Human Problem-Solving Capacities 69
5 The Science of Language 89
6 Linguistic Meanings and Their Uses 136
7 Chomsky on Politics: Some Basic Themes 158
8 Language and Politics: Justification 205
Glossary 234
Notes 238
Bibliography 245
Index 254
