Chomsky's folly.As it is with others who challenge an entire culture in the name of science, Noam Chomsky Noun 1. Noam Chomsky - United States linguist whose theory of generative grammar redefined the field of linguistics (born 1928) A. Noam Chomsky, Chomsky ("The Humanist hu·man·ist n. 1. A believer in the principles of humanism. 2. One who is concerned with the interests and welfare of humans. 3. a. A classical scholar. b. A student of the liberal arts. Interview," January/February 2007) fails to consider that not all questions are within the limitations of scientific work. In saying, "I'm not criticizing [beliefs]. Seeking answers is a sensible human activity," Chomsky connects science to religion and myth as "attempts to come to terms with the world." Legitimate science doesn't do that and has no such purpose, but instead attempts only to accurately explain the physical nature of accessible nature and to test limited concepts of cause and effect; thus not to "come to terms" with anything, much less everything. Like Dawkins, Chomsky calls himself an unknown quantity, but scientism sci·en·tism n. 1. The collection of attitudes and practices considered typical of scientists. 2. The belief that the investigative methods of the physical sciences are applicable or justifiable in all fields of inquiry. is not an unknown folly. Today's scientism affects us all as it involves politics, religion or atheism atheism (ā`thē-ĭz'əm), denial of the existence of God or gods and of any supernatural existence, to be distinguished from agnosticism, which holds that the existence cannot be proved. , philosophy, or profession. Science, when legitimate, is a qualified method and not the views of the people who conduct it. Science is legitimate only when it is not a culture unto itself. Miles A. White III Wheat Ridge Wheat Ridge, city (1990 pop. 29,419), Jefferson co., N central Colo., a suburb of Denver; inc. 1969. Chiefly residential, Wheat Ridge is the site of an annual carnation festival. , CO |
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