Human Nature: Justice v Power
Was reading the infamous TV debate between Chomsky and Foucault – really interesting
Its been pointed out, rightly, that its not much of a “debate†(hence the “perverted comasâ€) as they both talk past each other – sort of.
– Lots of good philosophy though
There’s a real turning point about 2/3 of the way through where the masks slip and suddenly we are aware that we are facing Nietzsche versus Socrates. This is a lovely piece of debating skill by the Frenchman. He clearly leaves Chomsky facing confusion as he realizes the genesis of the genealogy of his own materialism is Plato’s “goodness†“justice†“truth†etc.
Chomsky looks quite shaken to me!
Quote: “Well, here I really disagree. I think there is some sort of an absolute basis–if you press me too hard I’ll be in trouble, because I can’t sketch it out-ultimately residing in fundamental human qualities, in terms of which a “real” notion of justice is grounded.â€
Ah the beauty of the absolute “form of the good†that exercises it’s a savage dictatorship over Platos republic.
Chomsky comes off well in other areas though – a sort of radical Cartesian/existentialist subjectivity. I really liked his earlier idea that revolution or just been young is a matter of generalizing from limited data – a sort of act of creative will. (a la Kiergaarde even – who I doubt would be high in the Chomsky reader)
Anyway it’s a fascinating read.
And here’s the link!
chomsky.info/debates/1971xxxx.htm
krossie