Debate Noam Chomsky & Michel Foucault - On human nature [Subtitled]

Why HN readers recommended it

HN recommends it as a famous, revealing clash between two thinkers, though some note they largely talk past each other.

This is a summary from the source dataset, not an endorsement by Hacker News or the video creator.

Video & recommendation details

Creator / channel

withDefiance

Topic

human nature debate

Format

interview

Level

intermediate

HN recommenders in dataset

6

HN mentions in dataset

15

Recommendation years in dataset

2015–2026

These counts and years describe the included Hacker News records; they are not YouTube views or the video’s publication date.

From the original HN conversations

Excerpts from the recorded comments. Follow each source for the full comment and surrounding discussion.

• For anyone who hasn't watched the actual, full video of the debate, you should do so. Watching them argue in two languages at the same time is super fun. [VIDEO] Okay, here's what the video is saying, in slightly-longer form. The exchange in the video …

• 1. Languages are used for much, much more than communication, and there is good reason to think that capacity didn't evolve for communication, but rather for metacognitive problem solving. 2. The idea that Tolkein --one of the most reknowned writers in our entire canon-- did …

• It is quite illuminating to see the exchange for instance between Michel Foucault and Noam Chomsky to get a sense of the difference of tone and focus between european and american intellectuals. [VIDEO]