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Chomsky's Education
At the age of 16, Noam Chomsky begins attend the University of Pennsylvania. Chomsky would study philosophy and mathematics. -
Graduation and Beyond
Chomsky graduates from the University of Pennsylvania with a Ph.D. in Linguistics at the age of 25. He is immediately offered a job at Massachusetts Institute of Technology at the age of 26. -
Major Work, "Current Issues in Linguistic Theory"
Noam Chomsky publishes "Current Issues in Linguistic Theory" in 1964. This book serves as a precursor to his future linguistic work, beginning to delve into the complexities of linguistics and how it applies to human development.
Noam Chomsky, Current Issues in Linguistic Theory, 1964. -
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Chomsky Works on "Plato's Problem"
In the 1970s, Chomsky would begin investigating child development in regards to linguistics. It had been observed that children showed a remarkable aptitude for learning language at such a young age. Finding out what children acquired and how the acquired it is what Chomsky refers to as "Plato's Problem" of linguistics. -
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Chomsky's Principles and Parameters
Chomsky tackles "Plato's Problem" in his work "Aspects of the Theory of Syntax", which was developed in the late 1970s. He (and other scientists) proposed that language was made of principles and parameters. Principles are "structural universals" that exist between all languages, and are natural to children. Parameters are options that allow for variation in language structure. -
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Current Life
Chomsky retired from teaching in 2002 as professor emeritus. Since, he has continued to publish books, contribute to journals, and participate in lectures.