Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal Noam Chomsky on Consciousness, Sam Harris, Mandating Vaccines, Husserl, and Kripkenstein
Sep 11, 2021
In this insightful conversation, Noam Chomsky, a giant in linguistics and political thought, tackles profound questions about consciousness and language. He explores phenomenology, the intricacies of Hume's philosophy, and the nature of cognitive planning. Chomsky delves into debates around mandated vaccinations, emphasizing trust in public health. He also reflects on the intersection of multiculturalism and progress, and the ethical implications of our choices regarding animals and the environment, all while examining the subconscious aspects of language and thought.
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Ways to Study Consciousness
- Studying consciousness involves exploring what we're conscious of, like qualia.
- Other approaches include examining neural bases and the extent of consciousness in different life forms.
Hume's Rationalism
- Rationalism and empiricism overlap, with rationalists emphasizing innate mental structures.
- Hume's focus on instinct and internal mental structures aligns with rationalist thought.
Language and Reference
- Language doesn't have inherent reference; words relate to abstract concepts, not just physical objects.
- "Open door" or "river" are abstract concepts, not purely physical entities, determined by function and intent.