Question

Noam Chomsky argued that, since human languages share certain structures and since human children across cultures learn language very easily, we must be born with innate knowledge of how language works. Chomsky was arguing for the theory of:

a) Tabula rasa
b) Empiricism
c) Nativism
d) Behaviorism

Answer 1

Noam Chomsky proposed that we have an innate capacity to learn language, known as the language acquisition device (LAD), which supports the theory of nativism, not behaviorism, empiricism, or tabula rasa.

Step-by-step explanation:

Noam Chomsky argued that humans possess an innate capacity for language acquisition known as the language acquisition device (LAD). He suggested that the ability to learn language is hardwired into the brain, contrasting with B. F. Skinner's behaviorist approach which posited that language is learned through reinforcement and feedback. Consequently, Chomsky's viewpoints align with the psychological theory of cognitivism, specifically a subset often referred to as nativism. This suggests that some aspects of our cognitive functions, in this case, language, are inborn rather than entirely shaped through experience or environmental factors. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is Noam Chomsky was arguing for the theory of c) Nativism.