Noam Chomsky - The Purpose of Education

Noam Chomsky discusses the purpose of education, impact of technology, whether education should be perceived as a cost or an investment and the value of standardised assessment.
Presented at the Learning Without Frontiers Conference - Jan 25th 2012- London (LWF 12)
www.learningwit...
credits:
Interviewed & directed by Graham Brown-Martin
Filmed & edited by Kevin Grant at wildtraxtv (on. wildtr...)

[@krish2nasa]

" Teaching ought to be inspiring students to discover on their own, to challenge if they don't agree, to look for alternatives if they think they are better ones..." -Noam Chomsky

[@kakashi76767]

Yes the fast paced editing is brilliant! It adds so much to the experience. You feel like you are in the room with him, running around from side to side, getting in his face then quickly pulling back and sitting in a chair a few feet off to the side of him... you know, like you always do when you are listening to someone.

[@varunbhardwaj9397]

hahahahha cracked me

[@aimz4178]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@jean-francoisbrunet2031]

Exactly. And inspecting his nose hair when he says "purpose of education".

[@HelenaVanCity]

I agree with his every word. Always teach my students to think on their own, question me, as their instructor, question the teaching materials, the curriculum, and the "public opinion." Educating independent thinkers is priceless. "Education is what remains after you've forgotten everything you've been taught." Don't know who said it, but bloody well said!

[@johnpaulculala2043]

the quote you provided is stated by einstein

[@sachchidanand563]

❤❤

[@JamesK-i9e]

Under the curriculums, you are not allowed to teach children anything outside the curriculum. While you can tell your children to think on their own, the other teachers are telling them what to think and believe and, in a way, you are as well.

[@HelenaVanCity]

@@JamesK-i9e I do not really know how to respond to your jibberish, except it is kind of lame to reply to comments from 12 years ago, don't you think? That is, if you CAN think on your own, which doesn't seem to be the case.

[@ШАНГАЛ-й3ф]

Ok but what about the nasal hairs that we are getting in many and many zooms

[@per_ringnes]

Noam Chomsky is my intellectual hero and one of my guides in life.

[@salahad-din4114]

Per Ringnes Alan Watts has to be a very close second although on a different notation to Noam

[@comrademartinofrappuccino]

What is the position of micheal parenti to you?

[@nonrepublicrat]

i find him simply something to laugh at, your comment is quite amusing too.

[@Jessiejanebell]

"it doesn't matter what we cover, it matters what you discover." i love this video! and noam chomsky.

[@markrussell3428]

Jessie Bell, Really? I would prefer to know that my doctor or my dentist are actually qualified as opposed to figuring things out for the first time.

[@onceyoujiminyoucantjimout770]

​@markrussell3428 more than half of the world population are not doctors and they do not become one as soon as they start school. And most importantly you are saying this on the assumption that medical knowledge is complete and it is not, no field of knowledge is. So yes they must discover if they want to improve it. And I think you fear this discovery would be at the expense of patients but it doesn't have to be like that.

[@krox477]

Means shit

[@Lahmacunmatik]

Cameraman: "What's this boring education thing? I'll just zoom into his nasal hair for fun instead."

[@barryetherton4889]

Camera man needs to listen to what this amazing man is saying.

[@kittywakeup]

It really starts to bother me now that you point that out lol

[@maryaustin3490]

Exactly!

[@Z3nHolEminD]

An amazing man who sought out amazing people to handle his financial gain ( a WinninG teaM )

[@dhananjay1108]

seems @lachumatik is dermatologist and researching on academics nasal hair😅

[@backpackmatt]

Listening to Chomsky is like listening to an Ocean 🌊 of knowledge.

[@holliegolitely6245]

Amazing, insightful, and pertinent commentary from Mr. Chomsky as usual.

[@MrZemme]

It's impossible to learn "without biasies." What you should strive for is to learn so much that you know the biasies you're learning and the one's you have.

[@Satyaan.]

Leaving the biases, learning more is directly proportionate more you are bias, lesser you learn/earn you are looking for...

[@richardflog]

I learn infinitely more on my own than any one hour in institutionalized learning.

[@anthony796]

The educational system is a bullshit expensive system that instills on a person to be a conventional thinker and not an independent thinker.

[@christofthedead]

except for when you don't

[@habibaparacha5708]

Interesting observation! In the Arabic language, the word university comes from the same root letter as groups. It perhaps is dependent on the person!

[@michaelotoa623]

Excellent analysis under "Assessment Vs Autonomy" "It doesn't matter what we cover, it matters what you discover" Wow! 👍

[@sekousekou8838]

Brilliant man !!! Every he speaks you learn , make you think . He really stimulates mind and thought positively

[@ScottHaley12]

As a former educator at both the secondary and community college levels, I agree. In my beginning yrs as a teacher, I bought into the "indoctrination" approach to education. It's a disaster for both students & ed in general. It was only in later yrs that I learned the value of teaching students to think & develop creativity rather than to recite. Some recitation is of use, but it shouldn't be the primary focus of education.

[@naimulhaq9626]

Scott Haley Meditation at an early age teaches self-control and creativity, like the mathematician Ramanujan, and prepares students to fend for themselves against abuse of drugs and sex and harmful political and religious indoctrinations.

[@ScottHaley12]

Naimul Haq I've been an informal Zen Buddhist since 1974... thus, I agree with you. Happy Trails

[@naimulhaq9626]

Scott Haley Thank you, isn't it nice to be appreciated. Meditation opens the 'third eye', enables us to see more -!

[@ScottHaley12]

***** Agreed...well put. You're right on the mark.

[@berniesandersenespanol154]

+2001Horatio In order to think critically though, one has to have a base of knowledge required in order to think critically.

[@KilgoreTroutAsf]

Thanks a lot for the 35 seconds of titles.

[@quaintdeliveries247]

cracked me up

[@Yanaschaf]

Of which 80something% is waiting for the letters to finally form into words.

[@jeffreybaumann3617]

Learn without frontiers? wtf? I don't get it.

[@tbaiftikhar1031]

Hahaha

[@sudarshanbadoni6643]

❤being alert at old age and keep on giving valuable earning of mind called wisdom experience and MUCHMORE is an amazing task worth respecting this great mind. Thanks.

[@ankitsharma00014]

Wonderful interview by prof Chomsky.May god bless u with gud health n speedy recovery.❤🙏

[@gmondragonful]

Mr Chomsky is an absolute brilliant mind, surpasses Einstein who was a genius in mathematics but Mr Chomsky provides a constant seamless and uninterrupted flow of information I am amazed how this great professor can speak for 2-3 hours with his oratory skills. It is an honor sir.

[@guilhemherisson3254]

Naomi Klein, Chris Hedges?

[@comrademartinofrappuccino]

Albert einstein wrote one political book "why socialism?" Highly recommend. Second have ypu ever seen albert einstein speak in public?

[@comrademartinofrappuccino]

@@sadekjn he is clearly

[@lovepeace8918]

Your stupidity is amusing, and amazing, no Chomsky has not in anyway surpassed Einstein. Mr. Mondragon Chomsky has not ever once claimed to even begin to understand the equations of Einstein or psychics at the level required to even begin to grasp it, only few of the brightest minds have and can test and verify what Einstein wrote in every detail. You are a moron.

[@roymarquez7758]

@@lovepeace8918 You're the moron. It's an easy case to make that Chomsky revolutionized a whole field of inquiry -- linguistics -- at the same level that Einstein revolutionized physics.

[@abowlofsalad8812]

Noam Chomsky has that relaxing ASMR voice.

[@papaluskask999]

Free education for everyone. Create more videos about learning or how to create or how things work. Knowledge is something that is shared will grow. Hiding information about how something works or how it's created slows down progress not increase it.

[@skanderabdellaoui]

I can't agree more!

[@comrademartinofrappuccino]

Realy depends one whose is developing the technology. If you tell AI is neutral , the profit motives makes is harmfull for thr majority then you are exposing the hidden information.

[@Dymdez]

Excellent upload, who cares about the camera angle, great sound quality is all you need with Chomsky

[@erikbakker1531]

The only purpose of education is to teach a person how to live his life; by developing his mind and equipping him to deal with reality. The training he needs is theoretical, meaning conceptual. He has to be taught to think, to understand, to integrate, to prove. He has to be taught the essentials of the knowledge discovered in the past, and he has to be equipped to acquire further knowledge by his own effort.

[@ZoryaZXD]

why only his

[@krox477]

Yup Earn n livelihood and participate the ratrace

[@Davemac1116]

Chomsky’s brilliance is matched only by the moral integrity he’s shown throughout his long life to the present day.

[@mymusicmen13]

It's almost insane how accurate what he is saying this, I seldomly get struck with this kind of accuracy. I've been living a sheltered life with as minimal of an influence from society onto me as possible and this is almost word for word my "truths" that I uncovered through my own observations and hold onto to guide me through life. I have got to meet this man in person while he's still alive, bravo.

[@darrinheaton4016]

Hurry up. He's in his 90's now

[@aswinhoola]

this is probably one of the best videos I've ever seen on youtube

[@TheDub7]

What I've learned watching this is that there is always room for one more Book on a pile of Books. 😂

[@arun8334]

Who the hell is shooting this?? Stunningly crappy camera work....Chomsky.. brilliant as always.

[@kithkin01]

AK naaa ancient tortious...witches mouth...old man nosehair.

[@emotophobiccdd8006]

Thought it might just have been me. I have Concentration Deficit Disorder, which usually vanishes when Chomsky starts talking. Shoot the cameraman!

[@StankyPickle1]

"Stunningly crappy camera work" I can't stop laughing XD

[@nathanielhellerstein5871]

I was looking at other sites while listening to this. For most speeches, video is irrelevant.

[@nonrepublicrat]

you mean boring as always.

[@joyfulsavage9905]

Great stuff, Noam 👏🏼 The public school system had me thinking that I didn’t I care much for learning. “Hurdles” as he described. Years later, discovering that I love reading learning so much. The indoctrination of conformity from the public school system is a crime to humanity 🙎🏻‍♂️ KNOWLEDGE IS POWER 📖 🧠 💪🏼

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

Indoctrination as he is referring is generally the hallmark of Conservative government's foray into education. The whole "return to basics" is an attempt at this as is standardised testing. Teaching and development of inquiry, interests, etc. is stifled. Interestingly, in gifted classes this is often the approach used, fairly unstructured learning centred around interests, critical thinking. The Conservative government here has sought to reduce students to standardized test scores, emphasis in "practical" skills, and reduced inquiry.

[@marsamos5071]

Chomsky knows good seeds and ways to spread them... That's what human's aims with language... As long as we produce it... Thank you for this video and thank you Prof. Chomsky for your personal "hammer humanitarian" implication ❤

[@celoaga05]

Hi all, Below I am posting the UNTOUCHED TRANSCRIPT of the video for the benefit of those who want to take note while listening. Like you guys I am also a fan of Chomsky :) (Part 1/2) Purpose of Education we can ask ourselves what the purpose of an educational system is, and of course, there are sharp differences on this matter. there’s the traditional and interpretation that comes from the Enlightenment which holds that the highest goal in life is to inquire and create to search the riches of the past, try to internalize the parts of them that are significant to you. carry that quest for understanding, further in your own way. purpose of Education on from that point of view is just to help people determine how to learn on their own it’s you the learner who is going to achieve in the course of education and it’s really up to you what you’ll what you’ll master where you go how you use it how you’ll go on to produce something new and exciting for yourself maybe for others. that’s one concept of Education the other concept is essentially a doctrination people have to the idea that from childhood young people have to be placed into a framework in which they’ll follow orders accept existing frameworks and not challenge and so on. and this is often quite explicit. so for example after the in the after the activism of the 1960s there was great concern across much of the educated spectrum. that young people were just getting to free and independent that the country was becoming too democratic and so on and in fact there’s an important study on what’s called the crisis of democracy too much democracy. arguing that they are claiming that there are certain institutions responsible for the indoctrination of the young. so they’re phrase and they’re not doing their job properly that’s schools universities churches, we have to change them so that they carry out the job of indoctrination control more effectively. that’s actually coming from the liberal internationalist end of the spectrum of educated opinion and in fact since that time there have been many measures taken to try to turn the educational system towards more control more indoctrination or vocational training imposing a debt which traps students young people into a life of conformity and so on. that’s the exact opposite of the what I referred to as the tradition that comes out of the Enlightenment. and there’s a constant struggle between those in the colleges in the schools in the schools do you do you train for passing tests or do you train for creative inquiry pursuing interests that are aroused by a material that’s presented you want to pursue either on your own or cooperation with others and this goes all the way through up to graduate school and research. just two different ways of looking at the world when you when you get to a say a research institution like the one we’re now in at the graduate level that essentially follows the enlightenment tradition effect science and couldn’t regress unless it was based on inculcation of the urge to challenge to question. the doctrine question authority search for alternatives use your imagination that freely under your own impulses cooperative work with others as constant as you can see just by walking down the halls. that’s my view what an educational system should be like down to kindergarten. but there’s certainly are powerful structures in the society which would prefer people to be indoctrinated and form not ask too many questions be obedient fulfill the roles that are assigned to you and don’t try to shake systems of power and authority. those are choices we have to make either as people that wherever we stand in the educational system as students as teachers as people on the outside trying to help shape it in the directions in which we think it ought to go Impact of technology Well there certainly has been a very substantial growth and new technology, technology of communication and information access interchange it’s surely a major change in the nature of the culture and society. we should bear in mind that the technological changes that are taking place now while they’re significant probably coming nowhere near having as much impact as technological advances of say century ago plus or minus so the shifts as tech just communication the shift from a typewriter to a computer or a telephone to the email is significant but then begin to compare with the shift from a sailing vessel to a telegraph I mean the time that that cut down in communication between say England and the United States was extraordinary as compared with the changes taking place now and the same is true of other kinds of technology like just introduction of say plumbing widespread plumbing in the cities had a huge effect on health much more than the discovery of antibiotics so the changes are real and significant but we should recognize that others have taken place which in many ways were more dramatic the as far as the technology itself and education is concerned technology is it’s basically neutral it’s kind of like a hammer I mean you can the hammer doesn’t care whether you use it to build a house or whether a torturer uses it to crush somebody skull hammer can do either same with the modern technology say the Internet so on the Internet is extremely valuable if you know what you’re looking for I mean I use it all the time for research I’m sure everyone does if you know the kind of what you’re looking for you have a kind of a framework of understanding which directs you to particular things it lets you sideline lots of others then this can be a very valuable tool of course you always have to be willing to ask is my framework the right one maybe I ought to modify it maybe if there’s something I look at that questions that I should rethink how I’m looking at things but you can’t pursue any kind of inquiry without a pretty relatively clear framework that’s directing your search and helping you choose what’s significant what isn’t what can be put as I thought to be pursued what ought to be challenged will be developed and so on you can’t expect somebody to become a biologist say by giving them access to the Harvard University biology library and say just look through it give them nothing and the Internet is the same except magnified enormously. if you don’t understand what know what you’re looking for if you don’t have some kind of a conception of what matters always of course we supervise that you’re willing to question it if it seems to be going in the wrong direction. if you don’t have that, exploring the Internet is just picking out random factoids that don’t mean anything. so behind any significant use of contemporary technology the Internet communication systems with graphics whatever it may be behind unless behind it is some well-constructed directive conceptual apparatus it is very unlikely to be helpful it may turn out to be harmful. for example, the random exploration through the internet it turns out to be a cult generator pick up a factoid here and a factoid there and somebody else reinforces it and all of a sudden you have some created the picture which has some factual basis but doesn’t do with the world you have to know how to evaluate interpret and understand the say biology again they the person who wins the Nobel Prize in biology is not the person who read the most journal articles and the most notes on the person knew what to look for and cultivating that capacity to seek what’s significant always willing to question whether you’re on the right track that’s what education is going to be about whether it’s using computers in the internet or pencil and paper and books

[@alexlulina]

Do you have part 2?

[@sudhanshusingh7924]

Thank you boss

[@abdelkarimmohammed9066]

You. Are. Awesome!

[@AgowTisro]

The best thing is to start with his early interviews and speeches. He is much more energetic. Even given the age, the speeches are worth reading or listening to.

[@InSingularity]

Listening to this makes me hopeful that some people are aware of this and are pushing for this kind of direction in education. But it saddens me to know how far removed our current education systems are from this ideal model. Noam Chomsky for world leader.

[@HUMPFunkWorthy]

I've realized now that I can appreciate Noam Chomsky from a distance and don't need this creative camera work.

[@CytotoxicTrev]

*zooms into a skin cell on Chomsky's left cheek*

[@parthjackson189]

Lol....made my day

[@plung3r]

😂🤣

[@adenikeadeyemi493]

Noam Chomsky****** great speech. his analysis of 'The impact of technology' is great can't be said otherwise!

[@ExplorerJust]

I've just discovered this and it really is a fantasic narrative. Thank you

[@goldmaple4360]

I read your responses and you seem to really have a head on your shoulders. Like you, I think it is up to every individual to make something of himself/herself. I think too often we listen to other people. I like what you said "If you feel you are not rich and do not have a political voice, then become rich yourself" That is very true.

[@EclecticSceptic]

I know all of that but he's still my hero! He's not an idol, he's a source of inspiration and wisdom.

[@bonnitakhaliq9578]

Chomsky is not a Man of Wisdom , are you Kidding me lol If you think that then you yourself are not wise or Knowledgeable. Anyone can seem Intelligent if you are Stupid , actually i don't like the word stupid , i prefer to just say the Person has not Researched the Subject. Chomsky has Failed Miserably to attain the Greatest Knowledge there is , that is God is Real and Jesus died for our Sins. Ask yourself this , how did the Bible know that only the Male Rib can regenerate itself , the only bone in the Body , we only discovered that recently , how is that Possible ?

[@BrookeWeers]

My guess is the variety of camera angles makes it visually more interesting, and easier for us to pay attention. It's more like a regular conversation - nobody looks at anybody else head-on for 100% of the time.

[@chriscockrell9495]

Education 1) Enlightenment - is up to you to achieve value, find meaning 2) Indoctrination - accept, not challenge Train for passing test or inquire/understanding Technology - nueutral - like hammer, to kill or build Communication - email - phone - telegram - sailing vessel Plumbing on health vs antibiotics Is my framework the right one.

[@kathleenmccarthy6347]

Never tire of listening to this man!

[@cranil]

"It doesn't matter what I cover, only what you discover" So cool :-)

[@tangelahenderson2198]

I AGREE 😁 WITH YOU ANIL!!! SUPER NEAT AND TRUE!!!

[@robertbriggs7100]

An individual can do research and in fact doing the right research is an outcome. Evaluating the exact truth or outcome gives enlightenment. A human being has to do that and try to feel complete. Knowing the truth can help but so many people accept the media or untruths as a well being God bless Noam. A man!

[@uncleho4845]

Chomsky brilliant as always. John Dewey had questioned the value of rote training and preferred that students be taught o develop critical thinking skills. The problem is that colonial institutions view this as dangerous because the oppressed will begin to question the legitimacy of those that govern them.

[@goldmaple4360]

I sort of agree with you. Some people believe that more things can be accomplished for society, outside of government. they believe that government is the problem, not the solution. Others see the government as the pivotal mechanism of change in societal change, therefore it is in their best interest as citizens to participate, march, protest and vote for change. Again, I believe the answer lies somewhat in between. It will depend on your values, beliefs and economic situation.

[@fernfaba]

Thank you for the sporadic HD shots on Chomskys mouth and nose. I don't know If i would be able to enjoy is as much if I wouldn't be able to see his spit and nose hairs as detailed as you showed them.

[@L1l1bethQu33n-x1p]

Chomsky for ever ❤️❤️❤️

[@1398go]

My goal in life is to have a room like that, books stacked up like towers, and I’ve read each and every one of them. I’m very serious when I say that.

[@xerzes5900]

I hope you read everything sublime, and are humbled by it.

[@janicemurphy7878]

The purpose of an educational system is to increase your knowledge for you to pursue knowledge. Awm

[@MenOfLetters]

Noam is a true legend. A moral inspiration like no other.

[@stephen_pfrimmer]

2 plus 2 is a rule that can function as a mand or a tact or an augmental. The best is the formative augmental. According to Steven Hayes, "Formative augmentals establish some new event as an important consequence." This relates the consequence to something outside of the control of the rule stater AND outside of the direct control of the rule follower. The formative augmental allows outsiders to suggest creative paths of venture, These rules must be stated explicitly and be provisioned according to their natural consequences. No externalization of cost. Every human is capable of this. Had I

[@josephbarr4468]

Ability to learn on their own... indeed

[@EricMazariegos]

I agree with this guy a lot. A lot of one's personal success depends on an intrinsic pursuance of inquiry towards subjects that pique one's interest. Thankfully, high schools let you choose your own classes over a wide spectrum of subjects and most are even AP. I myself enjoyed doing a full year of AP-exclusive classes and let me tell you it awoke within me an autodidactic fiend...

[@ductuslupus87]

My dad said: "Always fear a person smarter than you". I asked him why and he simply said "You fear them like you fear authority, people who are stronger than you, faster, because they will turn on you". Be wary people, be wary.

[@ungodlygripstrength]

I would say the reason to fear smarter, faster or stronger people is that IF it turns into a contest between the two of you then you will lose that contest. Smart people aren't more likely to turn on you than dumb people, but with dumb people the potential damage that turning will cause is much less because they aren't competent enough to cause a lot of damage.

[@chandrasekhararaovullikant7075]

Education is empowering,enriching, problem solving,analyzing,creating,synthesizing innovation, ennobling and freedom to live completely.

[@viasevenvai]

“the internet is a cult generator...”. I like that idea, if you’re not careful you’ll reinforce any idea you want to.

[@tindao4459]

Noam Chomsky is my intellectual hero and one of my guides in life.

[@rodrigo_dmatoss]

Always a pleasure to listen to Professor Chomsky.

[@vjglucky7]

Most people are at least vaguely aware (me) of assertions in the clip, but he puts a lot of "current thinking" in a nutshell, a few nuggets: Two concepts of "purpose of education" system. First, Traditional philosophy, the enlightenment (inquire, create, search riches of the past, internalize significant bits) and further, in your own way, to help people determine how to learn on their own for yourself [HIS PREMISE THROUGH ALL OF THIS]. Second, Indoctrination, to accept and not challenge--after activism of 60s, concern that "crisis of democracy" saying that institutions aren't indoctrinating the young effectively, towards life of conformity, for passing tests for vocational training--RATHER than inquiry, pursuing interests (opposite of enlightenment tradition). Impact of Technology. The significance of communications is not as big as transportation, or even plumbing--changes are real, but not as dramatic. Tech is neutral, the hammer doesn't care--researcher has to have a framework for which Internet is a valuable tool. Inquiry directs your research, illuminating what ought to be pursued. A biologist isn't just someone with access to the information--awareness of what matters is fundamental, while Internet and communications aren't helpful, even potentially harmful, if result is cult-generated factoids without evaluation. Education, a Cost or an Investment? Do we want free, creative individuals, OR, who can increase the GDP?, which are not the same thing. Though cost/benefit analysis can be used--e.g. work on the Internet at MIT, where people explore possibilities for useful tools, for scientific and cultural progress--including master artisans that rise on the shoulders of others--it does not come from nowhere, it comes from the lively cultural and educational system that encourages creative exploration, independence of thought, willingness to challenge & cross frontiers of accepted beliefs--without which you are not going to get tech that leads to economic gains. Assessment vs Autonomy. Tests for students and instructors are to see what I know and where to go from here--a person can do well on tests, but understand very little. Constructive purposes (rather than hurdles that divert from what you ought to be doing) are purpose of tests. Tests are useful tool, for helping improve what we're doing--but doesn't compare with engagement, searching, inquiring, pursuing topics, which is far more significant. You remember what you discover. Physics teacher is asked, "What are we going to cover in this course?" response is, "It matters only what you discover." Inspiring students to discover on their own, to challenge if they don't agree, to look for alternatives, to work through great achievements-of-the-past that interest them. Education is helping students get to the point where they learn on their own, not absorb material from the outside. ~ Noam Chomsky

[@anialiandr]

wow thank you

[@gennanam]

I hate how "indoctrination" is the only other concept of education. It took years and decades for humans to be at this point now in understanding how the universe works and the purpose of learning in schools is to pass on this knowledge in a given amount of time. This knowledge might not be definite or even true, but it's WHAT THE HUMAN RACE UNDERSTANDS SO FAR. "Inspiring students to discover on their own" can work at times and we should definitely have inquiry learning, but it should NEVER be the sole method of teaching. It goes against the whole nature of human brain which DOES NOT LIKE THINKING. Students like learning. For example, they want to know how sound works and the theory behind things, but when you give them a problem to solve or an essay to write on sound, they hate the whole process and the idea of it. Not because the problem solving is fundamentally wrong, or essay writing is a bad practice, but because "thinking" consumes energy, time and effort which we evolved to conserve. This idea of students should not be 'taught' materials, but to 'inquire' them is the sole reason why students coming into high school do not know any basic math and literacy and not put in much effort. In order to develop further understanding of any subject, you need the basic understanding of things. Going back to the example, it will take students a huge amount of time and effort to teach themselves about how AC circuits work without the prior understanding of waves and electricity. It has been shown that open inquiries often take a much longer time and 'choices' often allow students to pick an easy option rather than to inquire further. Teacher directed inquiries, demonstrations and explanations are NOT bad practise and should not be considered indoctrination. (btw, if anyone hasn't noticed, I taught Science) Anyone wanting studies on this, please read John Hattie's researches, and there were some other studies on the learning brain but I can't seem to find it now.

[@teninchterror4998]

***** Discrete mathematics, like how we program computers? Would we use similar logic, and Boolean algebra?

[@teninchterror4998]

***** I agree that much of religion, superstition, and new age nonsense are allowed to propagate with vague language. It's poetic and metaphorical speech, where the terms rely on misinterpretation and imagination. Many are oblivious to these nonsense terms that have no real meaning, as it changes from person to person so what is communicated is unreliable. I would be interested to see how a quantitative system, could be used to communicate the qualitative world of the subjective human experience. Tautologies establish axioms allowing for accurate descriptions, something is what it is, not what it's not. You can break the system with words that have no real meaning or with misinterpretation, so now something becomes what you think, or believe. I fail to see mythology in mathematics. Metaphysics is a word that should be used with caution, as it is not a reliable way to model reality. Are real numbers, the basis for mathematics, not expanded from natural numbers to include rational and irrational numbers? I agree there is improvement to be made to language, but why try to throw out the baby with the bathwater?

[@teninchterror4998]

***** I agree completely on that point, people are merely puppets. At least in the US.

[@holybigbang]

love to LISTEN to that guy. the staples of books in the image and the close up camera shots are ridiculous :)

[@Thestorbob]

Though to be fair, those books are probably just his warmup for the interview:)

[@ericwind0113]

I really wish the cameraman didn't focus so much on his mouth and his nose.

[@acting_for_life]

Universal Freedom and Universal responsibility are the principle of NANHI DUNYA SCHOOLS in Dehradun, India. You have reconfirmed many things to us. I am so sorry for all those who are worried about the camera...who cares ...feel the spirit of the Man. Thank you Noam. AK ???? Eric???

[@michaelshannon9169]

I used to be a big proponent of education but now I look at humanity, the world, the nature of existence and realise that our lives are meaningless and education doesnt seem to change that. All education seems to do now is attempt to enhance technology to make our lives as bearable as possible. Ppl are now on more meds than ever, more lonely than ever, more anxious and depressed than ever, working more than ever, divorce higher than ever, and yet we are all more educated than ever. Theres a crisis of meaning, purpose and a sense of connection among ppl that education cant address. We have to ask what are we being educated for, what version of the future is worth striving for? AI? Travelling to the pits of the universe? We're at a crossroads now where we are all looking to something or someone that will make our educational endevours worth pursuing. Education has a toll, a psychological cost, what is the reward. If a 9-6 job, wife and kids and a mortgage is what we're being sold then education itself will find itself under threat.

[@tonyisnotdead]

wanna know why you know how to do anything, including your worthless 9-6? because people born before you passed down their knowledge to you

[@karin1616]

Behind any significant use of contemporary technology such as the internet, it is very unlikely to be helpful, and in fact it turns out to be harmful. Brilliant as always.

[@JD12ish]

I love the leaning pile of books on Chomsky's right :-)

[@goldmaple4360]

I agree with you. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. The main thing is to listen to people with different viewpoints, and then make an informed decision based on logical facts you are presented with. The decision or viewpoint you reach may not always accord with someone elses, but it is the best one for you.

[@qwerty-of2wi]

0:36 Starts talking

[@hglundahl]

Acc. to Chomsky, if I get him right, the "underlying" structure of any cria on "er hatte ihn lieb" is: A) [daß, wenn, etc.] er ihn lieb hatte. This can change in relatives to: B) den er [ihn=den] lieb hatte C) der [er=der] ihn lieb hatte D) hatte er ihn lieb [hatte=hatte] E) er hatte [er=er] ihn lieb [hatte=hatte]. The last being of course the usual position in main clauses. If this explains the meaning, rather than forms like nom sg = indic sg > acc or lieb being in "predicative case" ...

[@skippersailor8272]

THANK YOU SIR..RESPECT AND MUCH LOVE..:)

[@CJ_Walks]

A gem of a video. A gem of a man.

[@codacreator6162]

Thank God for private Liberal Arts colleges! The one I went to began by explaining their approach to education was the "drawing out what [was] already there." I've never regretted it. And if I have to die to eliminate my student loan debt, I don't care. I'll die with the firm belief that I won't have missed anything worth living for, anyway. We have it backward in so many ways, it's all but unbearable.

[@varietydome]

I agree with every word he says, this is very inspirational.

[@hglundahl]

"In Sweden your paid $300 a week to attend university" ? Oh yeah? I am Swedish, but I do not recognise such sums when it comes to study allocation unless you add a loan, which has to be payd back later.

[@uttaradit2]

Chomsky is the pinnacle of pure humanitarian thought. And he’s from the USA. Amazing!!

[@Numenor76]

"..it DOESN'T matter what we'll cover,it matters what you'll DISCOVER..."

[@PetrGlad]

To the author of this video: Just because you can cut different camera views does not mean you should. I had to listen to this video in the background instead of watching it because that cuts are distracting. And sound quality is too low with constant background noise so even listening is not easy.

[@charlesmaunder]

Why did the cameraman have a fetish of crawling inside Chomsky's left nostil? It was very distracting. Otherwise, as useual, I found his ideas very insightful. Anyone who really listens, wheather they agree or not, must concede that he presents an intelligent discussion on any topic he tackles.

[@neurette]

Great insights on education and technology. But yes, a book shelf is a technology that could have a dramatic impact on Chomsky's life.

[@flachi32]

I'm sure we can all do without the nasal hair close ups

[@gustavhegandersen5720]

I love them, dude has a lot of books too

[@rizone800]

stats say, nasal hair helps with memory

[@cuteboy9469]

Nose hairs help you retain memory and ward of alzheimers disease in old age.

[@kylerusk11]

flachi32 Noam’s nose hair doesn’t care. The man is a leftist god.

[@muminmamman1322]

stephen pfrimmer 😂😂😂

[@GivathBrenner]

Our daughter went to College and then University to become a Early Childhood Educator. Professor Chomsky's ideas about ECE being to,"develop the human being" rather than "increase the GDP" was always what I thought ECE was all about. Professor Chomsky mentions the John Dewey phylosphy of ECE has a constructive system for helping children learn to," develop human beings". From what I have read he is right. I only wish there was a University that offered a course based on Dewey teachings.

[@vigilant545]

00:37 Go

[@groam6666]

I used to hate reading in school, but now I enjoy it a lot. I only read nonfiction, lots of science books, philosophers, and historical authors. Most of what I learned in school, was just to be regurgitated, there was nothing creative or inspiring. I was taught how to be an employee, not a critical thinker.

[@scobra6652]

Wow, that's 22 mins of my life that I will never get back...

[@patsavage1245]

Education is knowing that, whatever you have done, could be improved. It is never complete, rather merely a work in progress.

[@almoktafi]

Who the hell is shooting this?? Stunningly crappy camera work

[@emberempress-merrill4219]

so what? Listen

[@НатальяШашкова-е6о]

Many thanks for honesty time

[@arguestreet]

I think Chomsky is the great thinker of our time. He'll be missed. But, concerning education for what one assumes is the masses, he misses an important point: we're not all created equally. From what I've seen, as an educator, if left to their own devices not all students will gravitate to learning on the basis of 'being free to learn about what you're interested in'. Unless how to put rocks into snowballs and not get caught, or how to get my hair to look like Katy Perry's qualifies as 'being free to learn about what you're interested in', it's not going to work. He's projecting, which we all do. While HE may have resented the perceived limitations of education/indoctrination, most of us simply don't have the capacity or the desire to figure things out on our own. I'd say biologically, we were not designed that way. Some are! And Chomsky is one! But alas, most of us are much better at following than leading.

[@arguestreet]

+anonneemouse mighty On it. Thank you for setting me straight.

[@reachforacreech]

+arguestreet then tell them to get a rote job and leave school.it will be better for them in the long and short run

[@arguestreet]

+reachforacreech There's a school of teachers out there that actually believe they can enable students to be creative critical thinkers.. I don't doubt they reach a few, the few that would exceed in ANY type of classroom, be it traditional or new, but I'd love it if they would confess that the vast VAST majority of their students just want to pass. They'll jump through whatever hoops are in their way which is not the same as becoming critical thinkers.

[@reachforacreech]

+arguestreet as i see it there are two very stark ways of thinking about people.it corresponds with people in the political right and left and goes all the way threw the sciences. in a nutshell,the left believes that people are born good and that society corrupts them,the right believes that people are born broken and must be fixed by the outside authority and a reward and punishment system.this shows itself in religious beliefs as well. many Christians believe that they are born sinners and must be redeemed while atheists or agnostics believe that humans have innate goodness/morality .atheists and agnostics are usualy on the left. this follows to humanism ,which basically says that people are generally rational and logical naturally and that there are perfectly reasonable and balanced reasons why people do the things which they do. many people then incorrectly judge these things as being lazy or stupid and that they must be forced into direction to fix them.the former is what may be called liberalism and the latter authoritarian. i am a humanist,and if you really look at yourself and remember your own childhood,you will find i bet,great reasons to believe that you were not a sinner to be fixed but a whole bright person with a sense of justice,duty,morality,will,desire to succeed you only needed the freedom to do so.

[@arguestreet]

+reachforacreech i understand that. It's a good point but I'd argue that it's only a good point in theory..I'm not sure if you've worked in the school system or not, but I assure you schools where kids work at their own pace, on their own programs tend to do very poorly. I honestly HONESTLY wish that weren't the case! I'm left, I'm atheist, I'm a believer in government as an agent of equalization. I believe in government fighting the fight no one else will. I, too, can clearly see how much better our society would be if people were made aware of when they were acting as 'free' independent beings versus acting out pre prescribed roles, as defined by corporations through media which determines our wants, our hates... our moral compasses but... There are two points I'd like to make - the first is that I see placing the hope of change of any sort on education's shoulders is misguided. The idea being 'it's through education that we can mend the ills of the world'. But schools don't exist in a vacuum. They are a small player in the great indoctrination machine that is our society. As an example I'd point out the hopes many of us here in Canada had in education fixing the poverty and feelings of inferiority and hopelessness that thrive on our first nations reserves. But after generations of the best efforts of the best teachers, little to nothing has been changed. If the society is broken at it's core than changing curriculum is simply playing politics. Second point is we on the left like to think that if students could think critically and determine their own ways in the world, free of the influence of corporations, that they'd all come to the inevitable conclusion that the left is the ONLY way of viewing the world. Again, I don't think so... I'd suspect that you'd know just as many converts to the corporate agenda as you would to the Chomsky solution. I'm sure we both know lots of smart people on the right side of the fence who'd use this educational freedom to criticize the pillars we on the left hold so dear -regulations, big government, Green Peace, fighting climate change, etc, and would instead promote the value of a laissez-faire, trickle down, hands off economy.

[@das52]

some people you just wish never got old....

[@mudzy3713]

sorry but you overdid it with the fancy editing and stuff like that. please try to just keep it simple. it can still be aesthetic that way!

[@yemijxxkug2244]

I'm listening this for helping me to sleep

[@fergoesdayton]

The system has an over-reliance on standardized tests, with outdated theoretical backings. I've known so many people who did fair, or even poorly, on their standardized tests (SAT, CAT) , and went on into college doing well, and have creative productions in the real world. At one point they were failing 4.0, H.S students for not testing well. In Western society, the bureaucracy of the analytic, has led to a corrupt education system, that severely undervalues intuitive thinking. Ironically, intuition has always been important in western philosophy of mind (Einstein, Poincare, Feynman, Von Neumann). Unfortunately, in such an anti-intellectual society, it's impossible for laymen, many with backgrounds from 3rd world countries and blue collar inheritance, to even realize this tragedy exists. If the system is biased against a relative handful, of highly gifted minds, which I believe it is, then in Democracy's, where the opinion of the mediocre flourish, this will remain a tragedy.

[@kort2436]

“…in Democracy's, where the opinion of the mediocre flourish, this will remain a tragedy.” Why would “mediocre flourish” in a Democracy. I would say the opposite is the case. In a Democracy all ideas are entertained, discussed and a selection made. In an anti-Democratic society, elites select and impose ideas bases of protecting their privilege. Chomsky would certainly disagree; he is after all, a Democrat. Further, Chomsky believes every individual learns when free of social restrictions. You’re suggesting that the majority of individuals are mediocre and need elite guidance; which isn't learning at all, it's indoctrination.

[@aben8763]

He looks like a god inspecting us as we are on a 2D dimentional line. Still a very human kind; What a pleasure listening to Mr Chomsky. I am glad to be living in the world of today.

[@jonatanekeberg8715]

I fell asleep during the first 10 seconds..

[@yesandnoynada]

Ha! It's called 'short attention span.'

[@clarissamorais370]

I agree with Chomsky. I am myself very privileged in looking to the right way into things in the internet( having a good education, etc). But I disagree that it is the same as paper and pencil. Somewhere along the way I stumbled into videos like this. In my lifetime and of the majority of the world we would never have access to things this instigating if it wasn’t for internet. It made excellent quality material a little more accessible.

[@Nica-Ra-Wata]

99% of humans are asleep...

[@HimanshuPakhale-n3i]

education is the manifestation of knowledge already in the human being.

[@chandrasekhararaovullikant7075]

Testing and measurement should explain the strengths and weaknesses.It self realisation develops confidence and faith but not discouraging.

[@sargantfrosty]

The fact that you are questioning him like this is something he would probably approve of. Ironically, your criticism may be an example of what the practical solution to our broken education system is, meaning the willingness to question authority. Also, how do you know he "denies that 9-11 was an inside job" simply because he doesn't believe that?

[@TheNuszAbides]

i hear that. i did two years in montessori, then placed into 'gifted' classes and did have some teachers who tried some serious mojo on us (particularly a rhetoric course in 5th grade - glad some of that stuck!), but on standardized tests i always and only bombed on Reading Comprehension. and i've always been a 'bookworm'!... i just wasn't absorbing most of what i read. recently turned 40 and i wish i could afford to go back to school yesterday.

[@wwang4993]

You are one of the great men I admire!

[@olenievart]

Thank you, Mr. Noam.

[@chandrasekhararaovullikant7075]

Noam Chomsky is my favourite role model and inspiration. Regards.