Chomsky: A Guide for the Perplexed / Edition 1

by John Collins

Overview

Noam Chomsky is one of the most influential thinkers of the twentieth-century. His work in linguistics, philosophy and political theory has spanned six decades, and has been met with critical acclaim and controversy in equal measure. This book is an introduction to Chomsky's theoretical writings, but also a critical engagement with his work. Chomsky: A Guide for the Perplexed covers every aspect of Chomsky's thought, from transformational grammar to political dissent. John Collins shows how Chomsky's linguistic theory, philosophy and politics are all connected, and by so doing helps the reader to understand this key thinker's massive contribution to twentieth-century thought. The book examines: the different faces of Noam Chomsky; transformational grammar; Chomsky's opposition to behaviorism; government and binding theory; the minimalist program; and libertarian socialism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826486622
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	09/14/2008
Series:	Guides for the Perplexed
Pages:	242
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.60(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

John Collins is an experimental theater director and designer. He is the founder and Artistic Director of the New York-based ensemble Elevator Repair Service Theater. John is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and a United States Artists Fellowship. He has directed or co-directed all of Elevator Repair Service's productions since 1991 and has done design and technical work for ERS, The Wooster Group, Target Margin Theater and Richard Foreman. He holds a degree in English and Theater Studies from Yale University.

Table of Contents

Key to cited works of Chomsky Preface 1. Problems with the Chomskys 2. Methodological Foundations 3. Transformations 4. The ‘Cognitive Turban': Nativism and Universal Grammar 5. The Review of Skinner 6. Language: Inside or Outside the Mind 7. Developments in Syntax 8. The Minimalist Program
References

Editorial Reviews

Mention Book News, November 2008

Mention --Book News, November 2008

Briefly reviewed in the Year's work in English Studies journal, vol 89, No. 1 'This work requires a good familiarity with Chomsky's own writings and the ability to keep focused when reading philosophical discourse'

Mention -Book News, November 2008

From the Publisher