Noam Chomsky (born 1928) is an American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian, and social critic, widely regarded as one of the most influential intellectuals of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Often called the “father of modern linguistics,” Chomsky revolutionized the field with his theory of transformational-generative grammar, which emphasizes the innate structures of the human mind that enable language acquisition. His idea of a “universal grammar” suggests that all human languages share an underlying structure, rooted in our biology, which has profoundly shaped our understanding of language and cognition.
Beyond linguistics, Chomsky is a prolific political commentator and activist, critiquing U.S. foreign policy, global power structures, and media influence. His seminal book Manufacturing Consent (co-authored with Edward Herman) examines how mass media serves as a tool of propaganda for corporate and state interests. Chomsky’s interdisciplinary contributions span philosophy, cognitive psychology, political science, and education, making him a central figure in academic and public discourse for over seven decades.
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