[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/noam_chomsky_250.jpg” caption=”Noam Chomsky”]American linguist and political activist Noam Chomsky gave a wide-ranging, challenging talk to a capacity crowd gathered in McMaster's Ivor Wynne Centre Tuesday night.

More than 1,100 people streamed into the main gym to hear the 74-year-old professor speak on “Is There Intelligent Life on Earth: the Role of the Intellectual Culture and Institutions”. The topic gave Chomsky a large canvas on which to explore a number of issues: the role of universities and how they are/are not fulfilling the ideals of nineteenth century classical liberalism; the concept of “excess of democracy” and why the elite in a democracy are fearful of  and try to contain – its appeal to the populace at large; and the question of “is it better to be smart than stupid?”

Although he admitted later during the question period that he is not the most dynamic of speakers, Chomsky effectively kept the crowd listening intently for more than an hour. His measured delivery was supplemented by wry humour mixed with a healthy dose of cynicism. Bringing his talk to an abrupt end, he quietly commented that the answer to the question posed by the title will “probably be known by us all in a few days”.

While his speech contained references to current affairs, including the situation with Iraq and the proliferation of nuclear arms, there was no suggestion that Chomsky is overwhelmed with despair. In response to a question from the floor concerning what actions “ordinary” people can take to influence government leaders, he advocated grassroots activism. He noted that the current time is probably the best time in history for political activism in terms of results, citing the example of the environmental movement, for one. In reference to the world-wide protests against an attack on Iraq, he added: “I know of no other time in history when the people have protested before a war has started. It's unprecedented.”

A professor of modern languages and linguistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Chomsky has published nearly 50 books, half of which deal with political or ethical issues. He is known as one of the most outspoken critics of United States foreign policy in the English-speaking world, and since the terrorist attacks in New York City in September 2001, is much in demand for comment and critical analysis.

Chomsky's research as a linguist is in the area of language acquisition. His work in the 1950's and 60's led to the concept of generative-transformational grammar  the theory that language is based on broad structural principles and that knowledge of these principles is innate in human beings. His work in this area has affected studies in mathematics, philosophy, anthropology and education.

Chomsky is in Hamilton on a five-day visit, sponsored by the McMaster-based Centre for Peace Studies, the Labour Studies Program and the Bertrand Russell Research Centre. Tickets for his Nov. 14 lecture, entitled “The Emerging Framework of the New World Order”, which will be delivered at Hamilton Place, were snapped up in a matter of hours after being made available through selected outlets two weeks ago. It will be broadcast on Hamilton's Cable 14 on Friday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m.

Photo caption: Noam Chomsky speaks to a capacity crowd at McMaster's Ivor Wynne Centre Tuesday night. Photo credit: Ron Scheffler