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Noam Chomsky, Anthony Seldon

Philip Dodd talks to two very different analysts of power and authority: the philosopher and linguist Noam Chomsky, and the political biographer and head teacher Anthony Seldon.

Noam Chomsky came to prominence in the 1950s for his work in linguistics and the philosophy of language. But in the 1960s he became a vocal opponent of the US war in Vietnam, and he's been one of the leading critics of US foreign policy ever since.

In London to deliver the Edward W Said Lecture on Middle Eastern Politics, Philip Dodd meets Chomsky for an extended conversation on American individualism, the role of reason, and a life spent holding authority to account.

Continuing the theme of authority and power, Philip goes to Wellington College in Berkshire to talk to the school's Master, Anthony Seldon. As well as being an educationalist and head of a major institution, Seldon has written biographies of Thatcher, Major, Blair and Brown, and brings a very different perspective to bear on how power operates in society.

Produced by Luke Mulhall.

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Tue 19 Mar 2013 22:00

Chapters

  • Noam Chomsky

    An interview with Noam Chomsky, discussing reason, authority and American individualism.

    Duration: 30:19

  • Anthony Seldon

    Anthony Seldon offers his perspective on how power operates in society.

    Duration: 14:04

Noam Chomsky

Noam Chomsky

Philip Dodd with Noam Chomsky.

The 2013 Edward W Said Lecture was delivered by Noam Chomsky on the subject of 'Violence and Dignity: Reflections on the Middle East'.

Anthony Seldon

Anthony Seldon
Anthony Seldon at Wellington College

Broadcast

  • Tue 19 Mar 2013 22:00

Free Thinking

Free Thinking

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