Attempting to define who is an intellectual brings up the general impossibility to give a “correct” definition. As the formulation of a definition depends on the context, the thematic field, there is no universally valid definition, no objective “prototype” of an intellectual can be stated.
Examining intellectuals in the context of totalitarian, post-totalitarian and democratic societies, I will analyse their outstanding role within these three regime types. Asking ‘what should the role of intellectuals be in society?’, this question enters the normative field. In the course of the programme we have come across several scientific approaches which define intellectuals differently, each based on a respective focus.
According to the humanist point of view everyone is an intellectual – although he/she may not have the function of an intellectual. The intelligentia approach emphasizes the role of education whereas a Marxian definition focuses on the relation to the means of production: the intellec-tuals produce culture and therefore are opposed to the production of goods. In view of this variety my approach is based on Max Weber’s notion of the ideal type: functioning as a model, the definition comprises several realization forms; however, possible deviations from the ideal type do not result in the point that the ideal type is wrongly or in-adequately defined because the it does not lay claim to be an authentic picture of reality, rather it is an abstract model comprised of exaggerated features.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Who is an Intellectual?
- What should the Role of Intellectuals be in Society?
- Should Intellectuals create Utopias?
- The Role of Intellectuals in Totalitarian, Post-totalitarian and Democratic Societies
- The Role of Intellectuals in Totalitarian Societies
- The Role of Intellectuals in Post-totalitarian Societies
- The Role of Intellectuals in Democratic Societies
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to define the term "intellectual" and explore the appropriate role intellectuals should play in society, specifically examining their function within totalitarian, post-totalitarian, and democratic systems. The analysis considers the normative aspects of intellectual responsibility and the practical challenges faced in different political environments.
- Defining the term "intellectual" and differentiating it from related concepts.
- Analyzing the role of intellectuals in the creation of utopias and the implications of utopian thought.
- Examining the differing roles and challenges faced by intellectuals under totalitarian, post-totalitarian, and democratic regimes.
- Exploring the normative responsibilities of intellectuals in relation to political systems and societal change.
- Considering the debate around the appropriate level of political engagement for intellectuals.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introduction establishes the inherent difficulty in defining "intellectual," highlighting the contextual nature of such a definition. The paper proposes to use Max Weber's concept of the "ideal type" as a framework for analysis, acknowledging potential deviations from this model. The author briefly previews the examination of intellectuals within totalitarian, post-totalitarian, and democratic societal structures, along with the normative question of their proper societal role.
1. Who is an Intellectual?: This chapter defines intellectuals based on Saxonberg and Thompson's approach. It identifies intellectuals as educated individuals (formally or self-taught) who contribute to the production and development of cultural goods. The definition emphasizes their expert knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and distinction from those in material production. The author rejects both the humanist view (everyone is an intellectual) and the intelligentia approach (focused solely on education) as insufficient for analytical purposes due to their breadth and potential inclusion of societal leaders.
2. What should the Role of Intellectuals be in Society?: This chapter delves into the normative question of the role intellectuals should play in society. It begins by exploring the concept of utopianism and its relationship to intellectual contributions, referencing Donskis' work on the "epoch of completely fulfilled utopias" and the inherent dangers of utopian thinking, especially in light of the horrors of the 20th century. The chapter further distinguishes between utopias and ideologies, contrasting their purposes and impacts on society. It lays groundwork for subsequent sections by examining the role of intellectuals under varying political regimes.
2.2 The Role of Intellectuals in Totalitarian, Post-totalitarian and Democratic Societies: This section analyzes the role of intellectuals across different regime types. It begins with an examination of the severe repression faced by intellectuals under totalitarian regimes, where individual acts of insubordination represent the only feasible form of opposition. The section moves to the challenges and opportunities facing intellectuals in post-totalitarian societies, focusing on the evolving political landscape, the decline of ideological belief, and the increased possibility of organized dissidence. The chapter highlights the role of intellectuals in facilitating the transition to democracy and the ongoing debate about the ideal level of political engagement for intellectuals within democratic societies.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Intellectuals, societal role, utopianism, totalitarian regimes, post-totalitarian societies, democratic societies, critical reflection, political engagement, normative responsibility, cultural production, ideology.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Role of Intellectuals in Society
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper explores the definition of "intellectual" and examines their appropriate role within society, particularly focusing on their function in totalitarian, post-totalitarian, and democratic systems. It analyzes the normative responsibilities of intellectuals and the practical challenges they face in different political environments.
How is the term "intellectual" defined in this paper?
The paper uses Saxonberg and Thompson's approach, defining intellectuals as educated individuals (formally or self-taught) who contribute to the production and development of cultural goods. This definition emphasizes their expert knowledge, critical thinking, and their distinction from those involved in material production. It rejects overly broad definitions.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include defining "intellectual," analyzing the role of intellectuals in creating utopias, examining their roles under different political regimes (totalitarian, post-totalitarian, democratic), exploring their normative responsibilities, and considering the appropriate level of their political engagement.
What is the paper's approach to the role of intellectuals in utopian thinking?
The paper explores the concept of utopianism and its relationship to intellectual contributions, referencing Donskis' work on "completely fulfilled utopias" and the inherent dangers of such thinking, especially in light of 20th-century history. It distinguishes between utopias and ideologies.
How does the paper analyze the role of intellectuals under different political systems?
The paper examines the severe repression faced by intellectuals under totalitarian regimes, the challenges and opportunities in post-totalitarian societies (including the transition to democracy), and the ongoing debate about the ideal level of political engagement for intellectuals within democratic societies.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the document preview?
The preview includes summaries outlining the introduction's establishment of the difficulty in defining "intellectual," a chapter defining intellectuals based on Saxonberg and Thompson, a chapter exploring the normative role of intellectuals and utopianism, and a chapter analyzing their roles in totalitarian, post-totalitarian, and democratic societies.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Intellectuals, societal role, utopianism, totalitarian regimes, post-totalitarian societies, democratic societies, critical reflection, political engagement, normative responsibility, cultural production, ideology.
What is the overall objective of the paper?
The paper aims to define "intellectual" and explore their appropriate role in society, analyzing their function across different political systems and considering their normative responsibilities in relation to political systems and societal change.
- Quote paper
- Christiane Landsiedel (Author), 2004, Who is an Intellectual and what should the Role of Intellectuals be in Society?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/29639