The Chomsky-Foucault Debate

On Human Nature

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Political
Cover of the book The Chomsky-Foucault Debate by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault, The New Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault ISBN: 9781595586575
Publisher: The New Press Publication: May 5, 2015
Imprint: The New Press Language: English
Author: Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
ISBN: 9781595586575
Publisher: The New Press
Publication: May 5, 2015
Imprint: The New Press
Language: English

In this historic 1971 debate, two of the twentieth century’s most influential thinkers discuss whether there is such a thing as innate human nature.

In 1971, at the height of the Vietnam War and at a time of great political and social instability, two of the world’s leading intellectuals, Noam Chomsky and Michel Foucault, were invited by Dutch philosopher Fons Elders to debate an age-old question: Is there such a thing as “innate” human nature independent of our experiences and external influences?

The resulting dialogue is one of the most original, provocative, and spontaneous exchanges to have occurred between contemporary philosophers. Above all, their discussion serves as a concise introduction to their two opposing theories. What begins as a philosophical argument rooted in linguistics (Chomsky) and the theory of knowledge (Foucault), soon evolves into a broader discussion encompassing a wide range of topics, from science, history, and behaviorism to creativity, freedom, and the struggle for justice in the realm of politics.

In addition to the debate itself, this volume features a newly written introduction by noted Foucault scholar John Rajchman and includes substantial additional texts by Chomsky and Foucault.

“[Chomsky is] arguably the most important intellectual alive.” —The New York Times

“Foucault . . . leaves no reader untouched or unchanged.” —Edward Said

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this historic 1971 debate, two of the twentieth century’s most influential thinkers discuss whether there is such a thing as innate human nature.

In 1971, at the height of the Vietnam War and at a time of great political and social instability, two of the world’s leading intellectuals, Noam Chomsky and Michel Foucault, were invited by Dutch philosopher Fons Elders to debate an age-old question: Is there such a thing as “innate” human nature independent of our experiences and external influences?

The resulting dialogue is one of the most original, provocative, and spontaneous exchanges to have occurred between contemporary philosophers. Above all, their discussion serves as a concise introduction to their two opposing theories. What begins as a philosophical argument rooted in linguistics (Chomsky) and the theory of knowledge (Foucault), soon evolves into a broader discussion encompassing a wide range of topics, from science, history, and behaviorism to creativity, freedom, and the struggle for justice in the realm of politics.

In addition to the debate itself, this volume features a newly written introduction by noted Foucault scholar John Rajchman and includes substantial additional texts by Chomsky and Foucault.

“[Chomsky is] arguably the most important intellectual alive.” —The New York Times

“Foucault . . . leaves no reader untouched or unchanged.” —Edward Said

More books from The New Press

Cover of the book Becoming Ms. Burton by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book Free All Along by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book Five Bells by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book The New Jim Crow by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book Game Over by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book The Lost Soul of Higher Education by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book Gristle by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book Deeper Learning by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book Loving This Planet by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book The Shadow Girls by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book The Assassination of Julius Caesar by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book Black Moses by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book Chasing Gideon by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book The Chicken Chronicles by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
Cover of the book "Multiplication Is for White People" by Noam Chomsky, Michel Foucault
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy