Διανοούμενοι: οριοθέτηση και τυπολογία μιας πολύσημης έννοιας

Abstract

This article is an attempt at creating a framework for and formulating a typology of the role of intellectuals, through an analysis of the major aspects of their social history and under the guidance of the relevant analyses of classical thinkers and contemporary experts. This theoretical presentation (which is not descriptive in purpose), makes apparent the contribution of intellectuals to the demystification, in the rationalized legalization and objectification of power, on the basis of standard-universal principles and rules. At the same time, their own role, however, is examined from a demystified point of view. With respect to the role of intellectuals we recapitulate the distinction between the functionaries dedicated to the system, on the one hand, and the relatively uncommitted or independent intellectuals, on the other. But, behind the bureaucratic functionary there exist formal power mechanisms, so too behind the relatively independent intellectual there exist social conflicts and volatile political conditions which he expresses and reformulates aesthetically and/or intellectually in the framework of a secondary reformulation. Generally, as important as the role of intellectuals is, we conclude that the road to a more just and more democratic society cannot be a concern of enlightened spiritual leaders alone.