Noam Chomsky, a renowned linguist and political activist, dives into profound discussions on consciousness, free will, and the notion of God. He critiques religious upbringing, suggesting it often misunderstands genuine divinity. Chomsky passionately argues that true activism prioritizes the liberation of the poor. He explores the unsettling roots of neoliberalism and its dominance over education, advocating for a more democratic approach to learning that nurtures creativity rather than competition. His insights challenge conventional views and inspire a rethinking of societal norms.
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insights INSIGHT
Consciousness as a Window
Consciousness is our window into the world and ourselves, but it's fragmented.
Most mental processes are inaccessible to conscious awareness.
insights INSIGHT
Materialism and Evolving Understanding
The concept of "material" changes with understanding; what transcends it is simply what current theories can't explain.
The 17th-century "mechanical philosophy" viewed the world as a machine, but Newton challenged this.
insights INSIGHT
Questioning God
Chomsky questions the concept of God, asking for a clear definition before discussing belief.
He emphasizes focusing on shared human values like justice and mercy, rather than abstract labels.
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0:00 Introduction 0:32 Chomsky's views on consciousness and free will (and marijuana) 6:04 Views on "God" (do you believe in it? how do you define it?) 8:02 Chomsky's views on Moral Relativism vs Objectivism 9:55 Views on mythology, and religious upbringing 13:30 Personal story on Chomsky's childhood (religion is based on the assumption that "God is an idiot") 17:53 True Christianity is pacifism and the US squelched Liberation Theology 22:12 The most important activism is the liberation of the poor 24:02 Where does Neoliberalism come from and what's it maintained by? 30:40 Having a job is placing yourself under the control of an autocrat, worse than Stalin 36:48 What can be done to make education more democratic? 39:32 The Neoliberal "crisis" 42:20 Do schools run counter to our evolutionary "learning instinct"? 49:00 What's wrong with Illich's "de-schooling"? 52:15 Why not allow multiple competing school systems? 54:52 The problems with Charter Schools 57:36 Is there such a thing as too much openness / diversity / equality? (thoughts on Black Lives Matter) 1:00:28 Chomsky was afraid of being imprisoned. Why didn't it happen? 1:01:38 The war crimes of Trump
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