Burden Quote by Noam Chomsky
![“Some [people] may be "servants of the power structure," but that has to be shown. I think it often can be shown, but the burden of proof is on the critic who puts forth that thesis in particular cases.” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a42/noam-chomsky-42_burden_some-people-may-be-servants-of-the-power_1167737.jpg)
“Some [people] may be "servants of the power structure," but that has to be shown. I think it often can be shown, but the burden of proof is on the critic who puts forth that thesis in particular cases.”
About This Quote
The statement argues that critics must prove claims about individuals serving power structures, emphasizing the burden of proof lies with the accuser.
In simple terms: Critics must provide evidence when accusing others of supporting power.
Key Takeaway
Demand evidence before labeling others as power servants.
Themes
critical thinking
politics
ethics
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- media critique
- academic debate
Key Concepts
social theory
logic
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure fair evidence in political critique?
- What standards should critics follow?
A Different Perspective
Proof may be hard to obtain, leading to false accusations.
![“The threat [of the U.S. bills SOPA and PIPA] is the inversion of the burden of proof, where we suddenly are all treated like thieves at every moment we're given the freedom to create, to produce or to share.” quote by Clay Shirky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/572/clay-shirky-3364_bills_the-threat-of-the-u-s-bills-sopa-and-pip_439701.jpg)
![“I wrote an article about the marine landing [in Haiti] right away, but barely mentioned the oil, because my article would come out two months later and I assumed by then, "of course, everybody knows." Nobody knew. There was a news report in the Wall Street Journal, in the petroleum journals, and…” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dc5/noam-chomsky-42_articles_i-wrote-an-article-about-the-marine-land_13341.jpg)
