Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

Noam Chomsky on Jung, Wittgenstein, and Gödel

Dec 20, 2020
Guest
Noam Chomsky
In a rare Ask Me Anything, Noam Chomsky, a titan in linguistics and philosophy, dives into profound topics. He explores Gödel’s incompleteness theorems and their implications for mathematics and linguistics. The conversation shifts to the complexities of consciousness, free will, and the impact of language on thought. Chomsky critiques social constructionism, connects Jung's archetypes to his theories, and urges a re-examination of language as a force for freedom and evolution. A captivating look into the interplay of linguistics, philosophy, and human nature!
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ANECDOTE

Ask Me Anything

  • Noam Chomsky recounts a story about a philosopher friend who taught a "great ideas" course.
  • When asked how he could teach everything, the friend replied, "I just start the course by saying ask me anything."
INSIGHT

The Hard Problem of Consciousness

  • Chomsky argues that consciousness, like motion in the 17th century, may be beyond full human comprehension.
  • He suggests focusing on building intelligible theories about its properties rather than seeking a complete understanding.
INSIGHT

Ptolemaic Models and Simplicity in Science

  • Scientific models should prioritize simplicity and explanatory power.
  • Chomsky uses the Ptolemaic model to illustrate how overly complex models can be replaced by simpler, more effective ones.
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