Print this page Are Intellectuals and Philosophers at All Useful?

What role should intellectuals and philosophers play in public life? Should they simply interpret society, or actively seek to change it? Using Simone de Beauvoir's award-winning novel The Mandarins as a starting point, this interactive seminar explores the responsibilities, dilemmas and influence of public intellectuals in times of political uncertainty. Set against the tensions of the early Cold War, the novel raises enduring questions about morality, activism, freedom of thought and the compromises demanded by public life. Participants will discuss the continuing relevance of these issues in today's world and consider whether intellectuals still have an important place in shaping public debate. Ideal for anyone interested in philosophy, literature, politics and contemporary society.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE RESOURCES

• https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/beauvoir/ - and Camus
• Simone de Beauvoir (2020/1957) The Mandarins
• Course Handout – The Mandarins in 6 easy pieces

COURSE OUTLINE

• A talk and participative seminar-salon over 2 weeks as we read out, consider, discuss some outstanding passages, critique the action, main characters, identify and debate the moral, ethical and human trade-offs the characters make and why?
• No need to read the 763-page tome – a precis will be provided before the first session – with some ‘food-for-thinking’ discussion questions.
• Unravel, reflect and debate whether smart activist intellectuals are just ivory-tower, self-opinionated out-of-touch big talkers, and then move on to discuss their contribution to current Australian discourse.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Make their own existential-like view of a passed-over novel about the Cold War, and the moral and human trade-offs people make in their personal lives, and by involvement with political affairs.