Ideologies and Noam Chomsky

Who is Noam Chomsky in political theory?

A critical political thinker who analyzes power, ideology, and threats to humanity.

What does “Ticking Towards Midnight” suggest?

Humanity is approaching catastrophic danger due to systemic political and economic choices.

What major threats to humanity does Chomsky identify?

• Nuclear war

• Neoliberalism

What is neoliberalism?

An ideology promoting deregulation, market freedom, and reduced government oversight.

What era followed the Great Growth Era?

The neoliberal era.

How is “freedom” defined under neoliberalism?

Freedom = subordination to unaccountable power.

Why does Chomsky criticize neoliberal ideas of freedom?

Because freedom benefits corporations, not ordinary people.

Who said, “There is no society, only individuals”?

Margaret Thatcher.

Why is this statement important?

It undermines social solidarity and mutual responsibility.

Where does power shift under neoliberalism?

To private producers and corporations.

How does neoliberalism affect citizens?

Citizens become passive and apathetic, by design.

Why does deregulation benefit corporations?

It removes oversight, allowing profit to outweigh public welfare.

What is deregulation?

The removal of government rules and oversight on private industry.

Why does Chomsky oppose deregulation?

It prioritizes profit over consumer health and safety.

Example Chomsky uses to explain deregulation?

Corporations like McDonald’s adding unhealthy fillers for profit.

According to Chomsky, why is government control necessary?

To check private power and protect the public interest.

What happens when deregulation combines with concentrated power?

A “perfect storm” of unaccountable authority.

What ideology did Chomsky grow up with in China?

A good vs. evil narrative: communism vs. non-communism.

Why did the narrative of good vs. evil collapse?

Reality contradicted the ideological story.

What meta-narrative did he later encounter at Berkeley?

Democracy vs. anti-democracy.

What conclusion does Chomsky draw about meta-narratives?

They are often oversimplified and flawed.

How does Chomsky describe society under neoliberalism?

Like a “sack of potatoes” — isolated, powerless individuals.

Why is the analogy of a sack of potatoes important?

It shows how elites manipulate disconnected citizens.

What does “deregulation” really mean, according to Chomsky?

“Stay out of my profit-making business.”

What is lost when deregulation increases?

Accountability.

What is an ideology?

A system of ideas that:

• Describes a political order

• Presents an ideal vision

• Prescribes how to achieve it

Are ideologies passive or active?

Action-oriented — meant to influence behavior.

How is ideology different from theory?

Ideology is less rigorous but shapes history and behavior.

Example of ideology in practice?

U.S. deregulation to maximize profit and empower elites.

How do Marx and Engels view ideology?

As a tool that masks reality to benefit the ruling class.

What is false consciousness?

When workers believe systems serve them, but they serve elites.

What is ideological hegemony?

Total domination of thought to justify elite power.

How is control maintained?

Through cultural norms, beliefs, and accepted “common sense.”

How does Chomsky connect ideology and power?

Ideologies often disguise domination as freedom, allowing elites to maintain control while the public remains passive.