It is commonly observed that the intellectuals are increasingly withdrawing themselves from the world and retiring into the insular cells of academic exercise. But Edward Said feels that as intellectuals are the best brains of society, they should have a genuine interest in the order of things in society and the world. This article examines Said's arguments and stakes about the role and responsibility of the intellectual.
The present paper seeks to engage with certain crucial aspects of the Saidian formulations of and about the intellectuals. As an Arab Palestinian working as a professor of literature in an elite American institution, Said was fighting injustice and discrimination at all levels all through. This struggle against his overarching surroundings of power and politics also gets reflected in his deliberations on the role of the intellectuals in an increasingly globalized and conformist world.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Edward Said and the Responsibility of the Intellectual
- Speaking the Truth to Power
- Truth, Context, and Ambivalence
- Gramsci, Benda, and the Role of the Intellectual
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines Edward Said's views on the role and responsibilities of intellectuals, particularly his concept of "speaking truth to power." It analyzes Said's engagement with poststructuralism, his critique of conformist values, and his comparison of Gramsci and Benda's perspectives on intellectuals.
- The responsibility of intellectuals in a globalized world
- Said's critique of power structures and the "politics of truth"
- The relationship between intellectual action and ethical commitment
- A comparison of Gramsci's and Benda's views on the role of intellectuals
- Said's ambivalent relationship with poststructuralism
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Edward Said and the Responsibility of the Intellectual: This introductory chapter establishes the context for exploring Edward Said's perspective on the role of intellectuals. It highlights the inherent imperfections of societies and the consequent need for engaged critique. Said's life and work serve as a model of resistance against dominant power structures and conformist values, urging intellectuals to actively engage in ethical action. The chapter lays the groundwork for analyzing Said's key ideas on intellectual responsibility, drawing on his work, specifically his 1993 Reith Lectures, and introduces the central theme of "speaking truth to power."
Speaking the Truth to Power: This section delves into Said's concept of "speaking truth to power," emphasizing that it is not naive idealism but a strategic act of carefully weighing alternatives to effect positive change. Said's advocacy of "truth" as an agent of change stands in contrast to certain aspects of poststructuralism, revealing an "ambivalence" in his approach. The chapter explores Said's engagement with the multiplicity of truths while simultaneously asserting the existence of a truth that counters oppression. This section highlights the pragmatic and strategic dimension of Said's perspective on intellectual engagement.
Truth, Context, and Ambivalence: This chapter explores the complexities of Said's position on truth, contextualizing its generation within specific circumstances rather than abstract hypotheticals. The discussion considers whether intellectual action is driven by local loyalties or universal principles, posing fundamental questions about the nature of truth and its application. Said's engagement with thinkers like Foucault and Chomsky is examined, highlighting the interconnectedness of epistemological issues with ethical and political contexts. The chapter further underscores Said’s nuanced stance, demonstrating his critical engagement with poststructuralist ideas while retaining his own commitment to a concept of truth.
Gramsci, Benda, and the Role of the Intellectual: This chapter analyzes Said's engagement with the ideas of Antonio Gramsci and Julien Benda, contrasting their differing perspectives on the intellectual's role. It explores Benda's distinction between "clerks" and "laymen," emphasizing Benda's advocacy for the intellectual's detachment from political involvement. In contrast, Said aligns more closely with Gramsci's concept of intellectuals as fulfilling specific social functions. The chapter highlights Said's preference for a more engaged and politically active intellectual, rooted in the realities of a highly professionalized contemporary world, as opposed to Benda’s more idealistic and detached vision. The comparison sheds light on Said’s own position, emphasizing the importance of intellectual engagement within societal contexts.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Edward Said, intellectual responsibility, speaking truth to power, poststructuralism, Gramsci, Benda, truth, power structures, ethical action, political engagement, globalized world, conformist values.
FAQ: Edward Said and the Responsibility of the Intellectual
What is the overall focus of this text?
This text comprehensively examines Edward Said's perspective on the role and responsibilities of intellectuals, particularly his concept of "speaking truth to power." It analyzes his engagement with poststructuralism, his critique of conformist values, and compares his views with those of Gramsci and Benda.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
The key themes include the responsibility of intellectuals in a globalized world; Said's critique of power structures and the "politics of truth"; the relationship between intellectual action and ethical commitment; a comparison of Gramsci's and Benda's views on the role of intellectuals; and Said's ambivalent relationship with poststructuralism.
What are the main chapters and their respective focuses?
The text is structured around four chapters: "Edward Said and the Responsibility of the Intellectual" (introduces Said's perspective and the concept of "speaking truth to power"); "Speaking the Truth to Power" (delves into the strategic nature of "speaking truth to power" and Said's engagement with poststructuralism); "Truth, Context, and Ambivalence" (explores the complexities of Said's position on truth within specific contexts); and "Gramsci, Benda, and the Role of the Intellectual" (compares Said's views with those of Gramsci and Benda on the intellectual's role).
How does the text describe Said's concept of "speaking truth to power"?
The text portrays "speaking truth to power" not as naive idealism, but as a strategic act of carefully weighing alternatives to effect positive change. It highlights the pragmatic and strategic dimensions of Said's perspective, acknowledging his engagement with multiple truths while simultaneously asserting the existence of a truth that counters oppression.
What is the significance of Said's engagement with poststructuralism?
The text highlights Said's "ambivalent" relationship with poststructuralism, showing how he critically engaged with thinkers like Foucault and Chomsky while maintaining his own commitment to a concept of truth that counters oppression. This demonstrates the nuanced and complex nature of his intellectual position.
How does the text compare Gramsci and Benda's perspectives on intellectuals?
The text contrasts Gramsci's view of intellectuals as fulfilling specific social functions with Benda's advocacy for the intellectual's detachment from political involvement. Said's perspective aligns more with Gramsci's, emphasizing the importance of intellectual engagement within societal contexts.
What are the key words associated with this text?
Key words include: Edward Said, intellectual responsibility, speaking truth to power, poststructuralism, Gramsci, Benda, truth, power structures, ethical action, political engagement, globalized world, conformist values.
- Citar trabajo
- Dr. Jaydeep Chakrabarty (Autor), 2015, Edward Said about the Responsibilty of the Intellectual, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/298445
