Cnota omylności. O miejscu intelektualisty w kulturze

Abstract

The main idea expressed in the article concerns the necessity of fallibility and fallible intellectuals in the cultural dynamics. We argue that, hypothetically, an infallible wise man would have a disastrous influence on culture, fostering stagnation. The fallible intellectual, offering questionable, controversial or destructible statements, is far more apt to foster the cultural growth. His role is not to propose ready-made solutions, but to open new spaces of discussion, doubt and examination. Taking as starting point the jeremiad of Mark Lilla against the "reckless mind", we pass to moderated points of view expressed by Edward Said, and finally search for an extra-European example illustrating the role of intellectuals in cultures passing through stages of accelerated change