Experts Quote by Noam Chomsky
“The only debatable issue, it seems to me, is whether it is more ridiculous to turn to experts in social theory for general well-confirmed propositions, or to the specialists in the great religions and philosophical systems for insights into fundamental human values.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on academia, 1990s
The quote questions whether we should trust social theorists or religious/philosophical specialists for basic human values, suggesting both are inadequate.
In simple terms: Question which experts to trust for core values.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate sources of moral insight.
Themes
trust
expertise
values
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- personal ethics
- public discourse
Key Concepts
philosophy
religion
social theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you determine the credibility of moral authority?
- What alternative sources can inform values?
A Different Perspective
Expert opinions may be biased or limited by cultural context.
![“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)
