intelektualizm

Intelektualizm is a term used to describe a stance or movement that elevates intellectual activity, critical reflection, and educated discourse as guides for individual life and social order. It can refer to a disposition within philosophy as well as to a wider social phenomenon in which educated persons—the intellectuals—play a central role in shaping culture, public opinion, and policy.

Etymology: from Latin intellectus; in Polish usage the word is closely linked to the class of educated elites ('intelektualna klasa') and to the voice of public intellectuals who analyze and critique social, political, and cultural conditions.

Historical context: Intellectualism has roots in the Enlightenment's faith in reason, later debated in Romanticism, modernism, and critical theory. In the 19th and 20th centuries, intellectuals often advocated liberal, socialist, or reformist projects, while also facing accusations of elitism or detachment.

Characteristics and debates: Core features include rational argument, emphasis on evidence, and a belief that knowledge should inform public life. Debates surround the balance between intellect and practical concerns, and between autonomy of intellectuals and democratic accountability; criticisms include elitism, technocracy, or moralizing detachment from ordinary citizens.

Contemporary usage: In contemporary discourse, intelektualizm describes the role of think tanks, universities, journalists, and cultural figures in public debate. It remains contested as to whether intellectuals should lead, advise, or critique power, and to what extent they should engage with popular culture.