Chomsky: Ideas and Ideals

by Smith, N. V.
Chomsky: Ideas and Ideals cover
Good Books rating 3.73
Language and Linguistics
Technical
  • ID: 3910
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780521546881
  • Publisher: Cambridge University Press
  • Published: 2004-08-26
  • Reviews: 3

Noam Chomsky stands as one of the most influential intellectuals of our time, with his work spanning linguistics, psychology, and philosophy. This book delves into his key contributions, offering a rigorous yet accessible analysis of his theories and their profound impact on various disciplines. Neil Smith provides a detailed exposition of Chomsky's linguistic theorizing and discusses the psychological and philosophical implications of his work, highlighting how Chomsky has fundamentally altered our self-perception, earning a place in the history of ideas alongside Darwin and Descartes. /n/n Updated to include Chomsky's recent work, this edition covers his continued contributions to linguistics, his discussions on evolution, and his extensive commentary on the events of September 11th, 2001. The book is a comprehensive exploration of Chomsky's enduring influence and his ongoing relevance in shaping modern thought.

Reviews
University of Wales Trinity Saint David Library · 2023-03-14
useful 3.00

The book is rated highly for its clarity and depth, making it a useful resource for those interested in Chomsky's theories. It is noted for its comprehensive coverage of his work.

This review from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David Library gives the book a solid rating, indicating its usefulness for academic purposes. They appreciate the book's clarity and depth, making it accessible for both specialists and general readers. The reviewer finds it particularly useful for understanding Chomsky's recent developments in the Minimalist Program and his broader impact on linguistics and philosophy.

Quick quotes

    Chomsky ideas and ideals. Smith, N. V.. ISBN 9780511009761.

    This book explores Chomsky's key theories, especially recent developments in his Minimalist Program, addressing issues such as: how do we know a language?

    Chomsky: Ideas and Ideals by N. V. Smith undefined. Rating: 3 stars.

PhilPapers · Fred D'Agostino · 2002-01-01
valuable 4.20

The book is praised for its detailed examination of Chomsky's work, comparing it favorably with other texts on the subject. The reviewer finds it a valuable resource for understanding Chomsky's ideas.

Fred D'Agostino provides a double review comparing this book with another on Chomsky's work. They highlight how this book offers a unique perspective by focusing on Chomsky's contributions to language, mind, and politics. D'Agostino appreciates the depth of analysis and the way it situates Chomsky's theories within broader philosophical and psychological contexts. They find the book to be a significant addition to the literature on Chomsky.

Quick quotes

    Double Review: Chomsky: Ideas and Ideals by Neil Smith and Chomsky: Language, Mind, and Politics by James McGilvray.

    Smith discusses the psychological and philosophical implications of Chomsky's work, and argues that he has fundamentally changed the way we think of ourselves, ...

    In addition to those mentioned in previous editions of the book we are grateful for comments, correspondence, questions, and intermittent outrage to Klaus.

Goodreads · 2000-01-01
insightful 4.00

The book provides a comprehensive overview of Chomsky's contributions to linguistics and philosophy. It highlights his profound impact on understanding language and the mind.

This review emphasizes that the book offers a thorough exploration of Chomsky's key theories, particularly his Minimalist Program. They appreciate how it delves into the psychological and philosophical implications of his work, arguing that Chomsky has fundamentally changed our understanding of language and cognition. The reviewer finds the analysis insightful and well-structured, making complex ideas accessible.

Quick quotes

    Neil Smith's analysis of Noam Chomsky's key contributions to the study of language and mind details Chomsky's linguistic theorizing as ...

    Chomsky has had a major influence on modern linguistics, psychology, and philosophy.

    This book explores Chomsky's key theories, especially recent developments in his Minimalist Program.

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