There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
As soon as questions of will or decision or reason or choice of action arise, human science is at a loss.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the limitations of human science in addressing the complexities of human decision-making and will.
Noam Chomsky suggests that when it comes to understanding how humans make choices or exercise their will, scientific inquiry struggles to provide clear answers. This indicates that aspects of human behavior and reasoning may transcend empirical analysis, pointing towards the nuanced and often irrational nature of human decision-making.
In practice
In a debate about free will and determinism, this quote can emphasize the challenges in scientifically understanding human choices.
There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
The 'free-floating intellectual' may occupy himself with problems because of their inherent interest and importance, perhaps to little effect.
If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster;' instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do.
The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
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.
If you go to Heaven without being naturally qualified for it you will not enjoy yourself there.
Sexism is the foundation on which all tyranny is built. Every social form of hierarchy and abuse is modeled on male-over-female domination.
Poverty does not make people terrorists, but terrorists can exploit the frustration it creates and use it as a breeding-ground for violent ideas.
The end move in politics is always to pick up a gun.
The ultimate goal of theology isn't knowledge, but worship. If our learning and knowledge of God do not lead to the joyful praise of God, we have failed. We learn only that we might laud, which is to say that theology without doxology is idolatry. The only theology worth studying is a theology that can be sung!
Where persons love little, do little, and give little, we may shrewdly suspect that they have never had much affliction of heart for their sins and that they think they owe but very little to divine grace.
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