The Chomsky Update (RLE Linguistics A: General Linguistics): Linguistics and Politics - Hardcover

Book 13 of 43: Routledge Library Editions: Linguistics

Salkie, Raphael

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9780415715744: The Chomsky Update (RLE Linguistics A: General Linguistics): Linguistics and Politics
Hardcover
ISBN 10: 0415715741 ISBN 13: 9780415715744
Publisher: Routledge, 2014

Synopsis

Noam Chomsky has been described as ‘arguably the most important intellectual alive’. His revolutionary work in linguistics has aroused intense scholarly interest, while his trenchant critique of United States foreign policy and his incisive analysis of the role of intellectuals in modern society have made him a prominent public figure.

Raphael Salkie’s timely book introduces the two parts of Chomsky’s work and explores the connections between them. He provides an accessible and up-to-date introduction to Chomsky’s linguistics, laying out his basic assumptions and aims – in particular, his consistent drive to make linguistics a science – and looking at a sample of Chomsky’s recent work. He examines the implications for other fields such as philosophy and psychology, as well as the main challenges to Chomsky’s position.

Raphael Salkie also sets out the key themes in Chomsky’s political writings and his libertarian socialist views. He contrasts the ‘official line’ on US foreign policy – the view that the US is a ‘well-meaning, blundering giant’ – with Chomsky’s carefully argued alternative view. By focusing on Chomsky’s conception of human nature and human freedom the author draws out the links between the two sides of Chomsky’s work, in the belief that both sides raise issues which can profitably be explored. The author also provides a carefully annotated guide to further reading.

As an experienced teacher of linguistics with a commitment to political activism, Raphael Salkie is uniquely qualified to present this introduction to one of the seminal thinkers of our time.

First published in 1990.

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About the Author

Raphael Salkie

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Publisher
Routledge
Publication date
2014
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0415715741
ISBN 13 
9780415715744
Binding
Hardcover
Edition number
1
Number of pages
256
Rating
  • 3.33 out of 5 stars
    6 ratings by Goodreads