The Cambridge Companion to Chomsky

Noam Chomsky is one of the most influential thinkers of modern times. The most cited writer in the humanities, his work has revolutionised the field of linguistics, and has dominated many other disciplines including politics and the philosophy of mind and human nature. He has also contributed significantly to our understanding of the abuse of power, and of the controlling effects of the mass media. This companion brings together a team of leading linguists, philosophers, cognitive scientists and political theorists to consolidate the disparate strands of Chomsky’s thought into one accessible volume. Through a range of chapters focusing on the various aspects of his work, they introduce in a clear and non-technical way the central themes of his extraordinary effect on our understanding of language, mind, and the abuse of political power. Comprehensive and informative, this is an essential guide to one of the leading intellectual figures of our time.

• Non-technical introduction to the basic themes of Chomsky’s work by specialists whose own work has been influenced by Chomsky’s • Provides a useful introduction to Chomsky’s work in linguistics, philosophy, and politics • Offers an opportunity to explore the connections between Chomsky’s politics and his linguistic science

The contributors; Introduction James McGilvray; Part I. Chomsky on the Human Language: 1. Chomsky’s science of language Neil Smith; 2. Plato’s problem, UG, and the language organ David Lightfoot; 3. Grammar, levels, and biology Howard Lasnik; 4. How the brain begets language Laura-Ann Petitto; 5. Chomsky and Halle’s revolution in phonology B. Elan Dresher; 6. Universal aspects of word learning Lila Gleitman and Cynthia Fisher; Part II. Chomsky on the Human Mind: 7. Empiricism and rationalism as research strategies Norbert Hornstein; 8. Innate ideas Paul Pietroski and Stephen Crain; 9. Mind, language, and the limits of inquiry Akeel Bilgrami and Carol Rovane; 10. Meaning and Creativity James McGilvray; Part III. Chomsky on Values and Politics: 11. Market values and libertarian socialist values Milan Rai; 12. The individual, the state, and the corporation James Wilson; 13. Noam Chomsky: the struggle continues Irene Gendzier; 14. The responsibility of the intellectual Jean Bricmont; Notes; References; Index.