ABSTRACT

The Social and Political Thought of Noam Chomsky questions Chomsky's claim not to have a theory about the relationship between human beings and their society other than that which 'can be written on the back of postage stamp'. Edgley compares Chomsky's vision of the good society with liberal communitarian perspectives, and establishes that it is grounded in a hopeful belief about human nature. She argues that sympathy with this vision of the good society is essential for understanding the nature of Chomsky's critique of state capitalism, its inherent nationalism and the media. The author concludes that Chomsky's analysis is coherent and systematic when one acknowledges that he is not just a critic but a theorist.

chapter |10 pages

Introduction

Chomsky – critic or theorist?

chapter |31 pages

Political Theory

chapter |37 pages

The ‘Good Society'

chapter |24 pages

State Capitalism

chapter |22 pages

State Theory

chapter |25 pages

Nationalism

chapter |30 pages

Politics and the Media

chapter |9 pages

Conclusion

Chomsky – militant optimist