There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Anyone can be a moral individual, concerned with human rights and problems; but only a college professor, a trained expert, can solve technical problems by 'sophisticated' methods. Ergo, it is only problems of the latter sort that are important or real.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of technical expertise in solving societal issues over mere moral concern.
Noam Chomsky's quote distinguishes between the moral obligations of individuals and the specialized skills required to address complex technical problems. It critiques a societal tendency to prioritize sophisticated methodologies related to technical expertise, suggesting that while everyone can care about human rights, it is the trained professionals, particularly in academic settings, who are equipped to tackle significant and intricate issues effectively. This raises questions about what society deems important and the role of education in addressing those challenges.
Themes
EducationExpertiseMoralityTechnical ProblemsSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the role of academia in addressing global challenges, one might cite this quote to highlight the importance of specialized knowledge.
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There is still much debate about whether torture has been effective in eliciting information - the assumption being, apparently, that if it is effective, then it may be justified.
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