ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we discuss research in both intellectual history and the sociology of intellectuals, as well as the link between these two sub-disciplines. We elaborate on the etymology of the terms “intellectual” and “public intellectual” and on the various arguments about the transformation of intellectual (and public intellectual) life in the course of the past century. We argue against two well-established perspectives about changes in public engagement of intellectuals: the widespread view that intellectuals have lost their way by embracing political ideologies and the equally popular view that intellectuals have abandoned their erstwhile political edge by withdrawing into academic settings.
