Kia Ora All
Thanks Chunhuei Chi for those great quotes!
I am rather fond of the quotation from Patti Lather which links nicely
with your quotes:
[Lather (1991:105), says that "...all researchers construct their
object of inquiry out of the materials that their culture provides,
and values play a central role in this linguistically, ideologically,
and historically embedded project that we call science."]
I also like the concept of Public intellectual, see Wiki pedia:
The public intellectual is assumed to be a communicator and
participant in public debates, accessible in mass media. Such a person
communicates information and perspectives on a variety of societal
issues, not just a specialist area. The role visibly overlaps with
that of a journalist, therefore, so that the question is, what makes a
"public" intellectual distinctive? This matter is linked to media as
well as to the intellectual life. Public intellectuals are primarily
concerned with ideas and knowledge. Their social role means that they
respond and react to society's issues and problems. They can provide a
voice for others who may not have the skills, time or opportunity.
They should be prepared to listen to a multitude of differing opinions
and beliefs, and to construct their own conclusions taking these into
account. Intellectuals also involve themselves with issues not
specifically related to their area of expertise. Intellectuals may
‘rise above the partial preoccupation of one’s own profession [...]
and engage with the global issues of truth, judgement and taste of the
time’.[6][7] The contemporary scene offers many different forms of
media such as an Internet blog, a lecture or forum, television and
radio, and print.
The role, effectiveness and behaviour of public intellectuals have
been debated since the phenomenon acquired a name. The debate is
framed differently in different countries, and the very possibility of
their place has been questioned. Although some intellectuals may and
attempt to gain acceptance and recognition in contemporary society,
according to Edward Said this has been virtually impossible: the
...real or “true” intellectual is therefore always an outsider, living
in self-imposed exile and on the margins of society,’[8]
Thanks all for a truly interesting discussion
Ruth (hoping to be a public intellectual)
--
Ruth DeSouza
Centre Co-ordinator/Senior Research Fellow
AUT University
Address: Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142
Aotearoa/New Zealand
T: 64 (09) 921 9999 x 7770
E: [log in to unmask]
www.aut-camhr.ac.nz
www.ruthdesouza.com/
www.aen.org.nz
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