The Science of Language

Interviews with James McGilvray

By: Noam Chomsky, James McGilvray (Compiled by)

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Hardcover | 15 March 2012

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328 Pages

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22.86 x 15.24 x 1.91

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Noam Chomsky is one of the most influential thinkers of our time, yet his views are often misunderstood. In this previously unpublished series of interviews, Chomsky discusses his iconoclastic and important ideas concerning language, human nature and politics. In dialogue with James McGilvray, Professor of Philosophy at McGill University, Chomsky takes up a wide variety of topics â" the nature of language, the philosophies of language and mind, morality and universality, science and common sense, and the evolution of language. McGilvray's extensive commentary helps make this incisive set of interviews accessible to a variety of readers. The volume is essential reading for those involved in the study of language and mind, as well as anyone with an interest in Chomsky's ideas.

Industry Reviews

'This clear and relaxed conversation, illuminating for specialists and newcomers, locates Chomsky's linguistics within his larger conception of human inquiry. McGilvray asks the right questions and offers helpful editorial supplements.' Paul M. Pietroski, University of Maryland
'Noam Chomsky has long been recognized as a founding genius of modern linguistics. These compelling and carefully organized interviews illustrate why ... The book is truly exceptional in affording an accessible and readable introduction to Chomsky's broad-based and cutting-edge theorizing. A must-read!' Robert J. Stainton, University of Western Ontario
'An indispensable presentation, in engaging interview form, of Noam Chomsky's evolving ideas about the scientific investigation of language and human nature, with illuminating explication by interviewer James McGilvray.' Howard Lasnik, University of Maryland
'By bringing the two sides of Chomsky's career together in ways that his specialist works have eschewed, the conversations recorded in (this book) remind us that the 'Chomsky problem' is no individual foible, but the deepest ideological contradiction of our age.' The Times Literary Supplement

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Language & Linguistics Linguistics Philosophy of Language Philosophy Philosophy of The Mind Psychology Cognition & Cognitive Psychology

Introduction	p. 1
The science of language and mind
Language, function, communication: language and the use of language	p. 11
On a formal theory of language and its accommodation to biology; the distinctive nature of human concepts	p. 21
Representation and computation	p. 31
More on human concepts	p. 33
Reflections on the study of language	p. 36
Parameters, canalization, innateness, Universal Grammar	p. 39
Development, master/control genes, etc.	p. 46
Perfection and design (interview 20 January 2009)	p. 50
Universal Grammar and simplicity	p. 59
On the intellectual ailments of some scientists	p. 65
The place of language in the mind	p. 69
Chomsky's intellectual contributions	p. 76
Simplicity and its role in Chomsky's work	p. 80
Chomsky and Nelson Goodman	p. 86
Human nature and its study
Chomsky on human nature and human understanding	p. 95
Human nature and evolution: thoughts on sociobiology and evolutionary psychology	p. 103
Human nature again	p. 108
Morality and universalization	p. 113
Optimism and grounds for it	p. 118
Language, agency, common sense, and science	p. 124
Philosophers and their roles	p. 129
Biophysical limitations on understanding	p. 132
Epistemology and biological limits	p. 133
Studies of mind and behavior and their limitations	p. 138
Linguistics and politics	p. 152
Appendices
I-concepts, I-beliefs, and I-language	p. 153
The several uses of "function"	p. 157
On what is distinctive about human nature (and how to deal with the distinction)	p. 176
Chomsky on natural science	p. 183
Of concepts and misguided theories of them, and why human concepts are unique	p. 186
Semantics and how to do it	p. 206
Hierarchy, structure, domination, c-command, etc.	p. 232
Variation, parameters, and canalization	p. 239
Simplicity	p. 243
Hume on the missing shade of blue and related matters	p. 247
Syntax, semantics, pragmatics, non-Chomskyan and Chomskyan	p. 250
An internalist picture of how concepts 'work'	p. 255
Commentaries	p. 262
Glossary	p. 291
Bibliography	p. 303
Index	p. 313
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

The Science of Language

Interviews with James McGilvray

At a Glance

Hardcover

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

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