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Syntactic Structures
Chomsky's first linguistic publication, Syntactic Structures, was a roughly 100 page book that argued syntax (the structure of a sentence) as being independent of semantics (the meaning of something). The book was initially well received, and young linguists were eager to conform to its teachings; but older linguists were less eager, and it caused a stir in the tide of linguistics. -
Skinner
In 1959, Chomsky published a review on renowned psychologist B. F. Skinner's book 'Verbal Behavior'. Chomsky argued against the book's clams of language being a learned behavior, but rather that Skinner did not consider language as a creative property in the human mind. This argument helped Chomsky gain reputation as an intellectual, and aided him in founding the Graduate program of Linguistics at MIT. Two years later, he was awarded tenure at MIT. -
Political involvement
A year after receiving tenure, in 1962, Chomsky began involving himself more in political debate. He actively disagreed with the United States' involvement with the conflicts in Vietnam. He began publishing many books in regard to U.S. foreign policy and involvement in foreign affairs. He gave a great number of lecture to student activist groups, and even himself became somewhat of an anti-war activist. He publicly deplored the draft, and went on to start teaching undergraduate politics at MIT. -
Later Life
Form 2011 on, Chomsky used his influence to spark debate and promote his views on mainstream media and political influence. He spoke publicly to several encampments that were a part of the Occupy movement, and has been an advocate for democratic-political change for some time. He regularly critiques the goings on in government, particularly the choices made in the white house regarding foreign policy and policy concerning social economic growth. He is a known critic of the current administration -
