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To: ultimate_robber_baron
He claims that we formulate 'deep structures' in our heads using 'universal grammar'. Then we use 'transformations' to change these (invisible, nonexistent) 'deep structures' into 'surface structures' (which are what we actually say and write).

Chomsky is a moron. Surface structures are thoughts, Deep structures are electromagnetic brain waves, and universal grammar is nothing more than the common way in which our synapses interconnect.

Yes, Noam, we all use the same brain cells to generate the same electrical activity which, with repetition, becomes thoughts that are formed differently by people speaking different languages.

Major drug use involved here, I suspect...

30 posted on 03/15/2003 6:52:47 AM PST by ez (Advise and Consent = Debate and VOTE!!)
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To: ez
Major drug use involved here, I suspect

You are as bad as all of the other Chomsky detractors. His politics is despicable, but his science is not. If you want to be taken seriously you also need to take seriosly the fundamental contributions to what we regard as modern thoght.

37 posted on 03/15/2003 7:09:29 AM PST by AndyJackson
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To: ez
Chomsky is a moron. Surface structures are thoughts, Deep structures are electromagnetic brain waves, and universal grammar is nothing more than the common way in which our synapses interconnect.

Do you really believe what you wrote, now that you've had time to re-read it and think about what you wrote? Are you really that much of a materialist? Do you really believe that all we are is a collection of electrically charged pieces of matter, and that there's no meaning beyond what we can touch? What a tragic and uncreative and boring and meaningless and hopeless existence if that's what you believe!

There is more, my friend. There is a Meaning-Giving.

50 posted on 03/15/2003 7:29:09 AM PST by Theo
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