On the metaphysical aspect of Chomsky's account of language and the mind

Résumé 0

Because of their capacity to deal with problems essential to reality, metaphysical conceptions are not only basic to all forms of entity, compelling and defining the elixir of human understanding, but are also effective in specifying and clarifying the constitution of reality by symbolic methods. This thesis uncovers the metaphysical underpinning of Noam Chomsky's linguistic theory. This theory is viewed as grounded in an implicitly conceived and explicitly formulated metaphysical idea. It identifies the metaphysical framework that we should employ in the attempt to come to grips with the intellectual product of Chomsky's conception of the nature of language and the mind as the doctrine of materialist ontology. It argues that the metaphysical relevance of Chomsky's linguistic theory stems from his commitment to a rational application and interpretation of the materialist framework. The delimitation of the metaphysical province of Chomsky's linguistic theory is conducted under the assumption that it may help provide a fresh scheme for addressing the perennial mind-body problem, and other fundamental issues in philosophy and science which this problem betokens. The study's basic instrument is conceptual analysis. It spans three conceptual realms: the concept of person, the relation between language and thought, and the connection of language to reality. Its contribution is underlined by the fact that the place of metaphysical conception in the analysis of language spells fresh targets for further philosophical and scientific analysis of human intelligent faculties.