From UG to the Biolinguistic Program

Introduction In March 1986, Noam Chomsky delivered an interesting lecture titled "The Research Program of Modern Linguistics" at the Universidad Centroamericana in Managua, which was later published in the book Language and Problems of Knowledge . This lecture is a cornerstone of Chomsky’s broader theoretical work on language, providing profound insights into the nature and function of the language faculty. Chomsky’s lecture explores the intricate workings of the language faculty, a specialized cognitive system unique to humans that enables language acquisition and use. Central to his argument is the distinction between "language" as a cognitive system and "languages" as social constructs. He emphasizes that while everyday language involves sociopolitical factors, the scientific study of language must focus on the underlying, universal principles of the language faculty. He argues that this faculty is an innate component of the human mind/brain, ...

Introduction Noam Chomsky is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in linguistics and cognitive science. His groundbreaking theories, particularly the concept of a universal grammar embedded within the human mind, have revolutionized our understanding of language and its acquisition. Chomsky’s work challenges conventional views, positioning language not as a learned skill but as an innate cognitive system unique to humans. His theories extend beyond linguistics, engaging deeply with philosophical questions about the nature of the mind and its relationship with the brain, often referred to by Chomsky as the mind/brain to underscore their interdependence. This article aims to explore Chomsky’s core ideas on language, the mind/brain, and the philosophical implications of his approach. By examining his views, we will uncover how he redefines traditional inquiries into human cognition, challenging reductive explanations that equate the mind with brain functions. Ce...

  Introduction The purpose of this article is to explore how Noam Chomsky’s redefinition of the mind-body problem directly informs his linguistic theory, particularly through his use of the term "mind/brain." In earlier discussions, we examined how Chomsky challenges the conventional belief that science has fully demystified the natural world, especially concerning the mind. Drawing on the historical shifts prompted by Descartes and Newton, Chomsky argues that both mind and matter remain fundamentally mysterious. Descartes’ dualism, which separated mind and body into distinct substances, was destabilized by Newton’s discovery of forces that defied mechanistic explanation, leaving the mind—what Chomsky calls the "ghost"—intact. This view undermines reductionist approaches that attempt to explain complex mental phenomena, such as consciousness and language, solely in terms of physical processes. Chomsky’s reformulation of the mind-body problem challenges tradi...