“Reflections on Language” was published in 1975 and contains some of Chomsky’s most important work on the nature of language. In it, he argues that language is an innate human ability and that we are born with a “language acquisition device” (LAD) which enables us to learn language. He also presents his famous “theory of … Read more
In “Aspects of the Theory of Syntax,” published in 1965, Chomsky presents his famous distinction between deep structure and surface structure. Deep structure consists of the underlying meaning of a sentence, while surface structure is the actual form that the sentence takes. This book had a major impact on linguistics and cognitive science and helped … Read more
Noam Chomsky is one of the most influential thinkers of our time. His books have had a major impact on linguistics, cognitive science, philosophy, and politics. In this post, we will take a look at some of his most important works and what makes them so special. Language and Mind In Language and Mind, Chomsky … Read more
Friedrich Nietzsche’s “On the Genealogy of Morals” is, at its core, a genealogical study of the origins and evolution of human morals. In this work, Nietzsche examines the historical development of two opposite sets of morality—the “master” morality and the “slave” morality—and argues that the latter has come to dominate modern thought. How has slave … Read more
It’s been two weeks since I’ve started reading Nietzsche’s The Birth of Tragedy, and I’m finally finished. It was a dense read, but well worth it for anyone interested in the origins of drama and tragedy. Nietzsche opens the book by discussing the two fundamental drives that he believes are at work in all humans … Read more
If you’re new to the world of Friedrich Nietzsche, then you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. Where should you start? What are his best books? I’ll provide a guide to Nietzsche’s best works, with a description of each book. By the end, you’ll have a good idea of where to begin your journey into … Read more
Lewis Mumford was one of the most prolific and influential thinkers of the 20th century. His writings on topics as diverse as cities, technology, and architecture had a profound impact on the way we think about the modern world. While Mumford is best known for his work on urbanism, his oeuvre is vast and sometimes … Read more
For many, the late Christopher Hitchens was a controversial figure. He was an outspoken atheist and fierce critic of religion. He championed unpopular causes and fought against injustice. He was also an incredible writer and thinker, with a wit that was as sharp as a knife. If you’re looking to dive into the world of … Read more
A Secular Age is a 2007 book by Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor. The book seeks to explain why modernity has been accompanied by the secularization of society, and how this change has affected different aspects of human life such as religion, morality, and politics. The book is divided into three parts: “Disembedding”, “Cross-Pressures”, and “Belonging”. … Read more
Master For the master, there is no ‘tit for tat’… when we give something to the Master, we do not expect anything in return…” Stated more simply, the implicit Master who utters each proverb does so in a lordly manner apparently immune to counterargument. But once we consider the actual verbal content of a proverb, … Read more