This source provides an extensive transcript of a philosophical debate between Chomsky and Foucault, which centers on fundamental questions of human nature and its relation to society and politics . The discussion is framed by an analogy to Galileo, suggesting that Foucault challenges the centrality of the human subject in culture, emphasizing unseen, overarching structures (the épistèmè), while Chomsky champions the idea of an innate, universal human nature, particularly evident in the creative capacity for language.
The debate explores their contrasting views on individual creativity versus systemic rules, eventually converging on the political implications of their theories, with Chomsky advocating for anarcho-syndicalism based on the human need for creative work, and Foucault arguing for a critique of seemingly neutral institutions that mask political violence and power relations. Ultimately, they grapple with whether revolutionary action should be justified by an ideal notion of justice (Chomsky) or simply as a necessary act of war and power struggle to overthrow class oppression (Foucault).