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Political Concepts
A Working Paper Series of the Committee on Concepts and Methods

Rebecka Lettevall, "What Is an Intellectual?," December 2009
Abstract
The intellectual is a concept that carries many connotations. Being an intellectual does not mean the same thing in for example Eastern Europe or France as it does in Sweden. This article discusses different meanings and understandings of the concept, using as a starting point definitions from dictionaries in different languages, discussing some of the Enlightenment heritage and finally suggesting that the ideal of equality might cause some problems with the generally more elitist role of the intellectual in a country like Sweden. Still, the role of sharp criticism and commentary is necessary for every society, and might be a cornerstone of democracy.




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