20 FEBRUARY 1971, Page 25

Sir: 'This is not to say,' writes Geoffrey Sampson (6

February) 'that Chomsky's philosophy is merely a by-product of his politics; but the two certainly hang togeth- er.' In the context, this can only be intended as a criticism. Since when has consistency of argument been a matter for criticism? Would your reviewer prefer Chomsky's (or any- one else's) philosophy and politics to be at cross-purposes?