I’m not sure that this is the best forum for it, but since much of the Chumpsky stuff has taken place in the Pit, I thought I’d put it here. And, because it’s different in content than the other threads here, I wanted it to have its own.
By my take, there seems little doubt that Chumpsky has plagiarized. Given the inflammatory nature of that “charge” and the responses that have been engendered, I am concerned that Chumpsky may soon be “provoked” to do something that leads to his b…, well he may leave. That would be a shame.
Although I disagree with almost everything, well, OK, everything, he’s written, I still find it very valuable to read the give and take in the threads in which he’s involved. If nothing else, I give thought to how I might rebut his charges, accusations, and more outrageous statements and compare my “answers” with those provided by the more articulate and knowledgeable (and confident) Dopers.
My concern is that although Chumpsky may well deserve the ad hominem attacks he’s now subjected to, the opportunity for dispelling ignorance will be lost in the process (not to mention the likelihood that he may be provoked to do something silly - sorry if this last bit sounds patronizing, but that’s how I feel).
Could Chumpsky not continue to be debated but without the vitriol and constant reminders of his acts? Again, I think he does add something to the Board, and his plagiarism doesn’t take away from the fact that he presents a different viewpoint (that should be challenged). But, if every time he posts, the only responses are “Fuck you, liar”, I know that I, for one, have lost a chance to learn.
