Noam Chomsky interview on Language and Knowledge (1977)

Linguist and political activist Noam Chomsky of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology transformed the nature of linguistics before he was 40. In this program with world-renowned author and professor Bryan Magee, the outspoken Chomsky challenges accepted notions of the way in which language is learned, examines the relationship of language to experience, and discusses the philosophical nature of knowledge.

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This is from the series Modern Philosophy.
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[michaelcollins]

Brian McGee - a brilliantly informed interviewer with an unsurpassed technique to assist his audience's understanding.

[xiaofeng]

Rarely if ever do I see an interview at this level nowadays. Thoroughly, enjoyed this interview.

[ally]

Great to see Chomsky being interviewed by an intelligent person.

[TorgoFraNorgo]

This is the best Chomsky interview I’ve ever seen. I wish it was twice as long. I wanted them to get into those technical details!

[sofanr]

Brilliant, and now classic, interview. From about 14.30 Chomsky talks about rigid constraints as being essential for creativity (i.e. language). Note how he is somewhat reluctant to speculate about language evolution - and rightly so. Magee is probably the best interviewer that Chomsky has ever encountered. Chomsky himself is brilliant as usual.

[luckyducki]

Pure intelligence at work. Professor Chomsky puts these notions into words so masterfully, it's so utterly enjoyable to learn from him. I'm so glad we get to.

[brucetutton]

Massive thanks for this HD version. Stupendous interview.

[mounirfed]

Real genius. watched this video more than 100 times and still inspiring. Every time I do so, I learn new things. Great man.

[feelwang]

The way Noam speaks or he composes his sentences is art.

[alexdavinci]

Prof. Magee's books on Schopenhauer and Richard Wagner are both excellent.

[terryyakamoto]

chomsky's use of words is astounding, i bet hes fuc#ing brilliant at scrable

[omarmahfouz]

Funny how the best noam chomsky video in terms of audio and video quality is from the 70s

[uncljoedoc]

The limitations that Chomsky describes reminds me of Herbert Spencer who analyzed religion has having a universal property of being a way to cognize the "unknowable".

[calimanduff]

I was so prepared to hear a youthful Chomsky speak since most lectures and interviews I’ve seen he’s sported grey hair. Turns out he’s sounded like a wise old man for a while 😂

[matsuda]

now watch the video again focusing only on Chomsky's right eyebrow

[Thehugo]

I’m glad to be a contemporary of this man

[ramjua]

When I started my phd it took me a while to realize Chomsky linguist and Chomsky political theoretician were one and the same.

[blickyblacky]

Chomsky makes a strong account for how humans can give expression to a wide range of instances at a whim with creative force. This of course is true in academic principle and whence removed from the more diluted circumstance of everyday conversation where my want to elevate dialogue with regular friends onto deeper matters but I am brow bashed into silence for coming across weird or too serious. Yes, I can be appropriate but why is this discourse only appropriate in college where even free discourse is shrinking? Why are my natural endowments alienating me whilst the others at my table subdued and inhibited?

[hirotakakawano]

The concept of universal grammar
Noam Chomsky put forward not only leads to an innovative understanding of linguistics, ideas, philosophy, history and science , but also to an understanding of human nature, value of existence, and the distinction between humans and other living things.

[joeymurdazalotmore]

This genius is still alive circa dec 2022. There will be no replacing him