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December 7, 1957: Publication of "Syntactic Structures"
Noam Chomsky’s groundbreaking work, "Syntactic Structures," marked the beginning of a new era in the study of linguistics. The book presented a new theory of language that emphasized the innate, universal grammar of the human mind, challenging the previously dominant behaviorist approach to language acquisition. Chomsky's theory of generative grammar suggested that the human mind possesses an innate capacity for language. Chomsky, Noam. Syntactic Structures. Mouton, 1957 -
1959: The Logical Structure of Linguistic Theory
In 1959, Chomsky published The Logical Structure of Linguistic Theory, which presented his early work on generative grammar. In this book, Chomsky argued that the study of language should be viewed as a branch of mathematics, and that the goal of linguistic theory should be to discover the abstract rules that underlie all human languages. Chomsky, Noam. The Logical Structure of Linguistic Theory. Plenum Press, 1975. -
1965: The Chomsky-Foucault Debate
In 1965, Noam Chomsky engaged in a debate with French philosopher Michel Foucault on the nature of human nature and the role of power in society. The debate, which took place at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands, focused on the question of whether human nature is inherently violent or peaceful, and whether power is inherently oppressive or liberating. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wfNl2L0Gf8 -
1967: "The Responsibility of Intellectuals"
In 1967, Chomsky published an essay titled "The Responsibility of Intellectuals," in which he criticized the role of intellectuals in supporting and justifying state violence. This essay is considered a classic of political philosophy, as it raised important questions about the ethical responsibilities of intellectuals in a democratic society. Chomsky, Noam. "The Responsibility of Intellectuals." The New York Review of Books, 23 Feb. 1967. -
197: "Language and Mind"2
Chomsky's "Language and Mind" is a collection of essays that offers a comprehensive overview of his linguistic theory and its implications for the study of the mind. The book argues that the study of language is crucial to our understanding of the human mind, and that the innate, universal grammar of the human mind can help us to understand the structure of language and the nature of thought. Chomsky, Noam. Language and Mind. Harcourt, Brace & World, 1972. -
2016: "Who Rules the World?"
In "Who Rules the World?," Chomsky offers a critical analysis of American foreign policy and the role of the United States in the global order. The book argues that the United States has become a rogue state, pursuing its own interests at the expense of international law and human rights, and that the American people have a responsibility to hold their leaders accountable for their actions.
Chomsky, Noam. Who Rules the World? Metropolitan Books, 2016.
