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 for my own views, they've of course evolved over the years. This conception of 'renouncing beliefs' is very odd, as if we're in some kind of religious cult. I 'renounce beliefs' practically every time I think about the topics or find out what someone else is thinking.
Interpretation
Beliefs are not static; they should evolve with new understanding and perspectives.
Noam Chomsky suggests that beliefs should be fluid and adaptable rather than rigid and dogmatic. He expresses a view that reevaluating and sometimes renouncing our beliefs in light of new information or perspectives is not only natural but essential, contrasting this rational approach with the notion that holding on to fixed beliefs is akin to belonging to a cult.
In practice
Discussing the importance of flexibility in beliefs during a philosophy class.
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.
Human nature is potentially aggressive and destructive and potentially orderly and constructive.
What would you like to do if money were no object? How would you really enjoy spending your life?
Those who remain silent are responsible.
There are the saints of every day, the 'hidden' saints, a sort of 'middle class of holiness'... to which we can all belong.
Free will is "corrupted nature's deformed darling, the Pallas or beloved self-conception of darkened minds"
Debt, n. An ingenious substitute for the chain and whip of the slavedriver.
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