Intellectuals and the Public Good
Creativity and Civil Courage

A sociological account of civil courage and creative behaviour through the study of Nobel Peace Prize laureates.

Barbara A. Misztal (Author)

9780521847186, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 September 2007

290 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm, 0.59 kg

Creativity and civil courage are major dimensions of an intellectual's authority and contribute towards the enrichment of democracy. This book develops a sociological account of civil courage and creative behaviour in order to enhance our understanding of the nature of intellectuals' involvement in society. Barbara A. Misztal employs both theoretical-analytic and empirical components to develop a typology of intellectuals who have shown civil courage and examines the biographies of twelve Nobel Peace Prize laureates, including Elie Wiesel, Andrei Sakharov and Linus C. Pauling, to illustrate acts of courage which have embodied the values of civil society. She advances our understanding of the nature of intellectuals' public involvement and their contribution to social well-being. In the current climate of fear and insecurity, as governments are forced to deal with issues of increasing complexity, this is a pioneering sociological book with a highly original approach.

Introduction
Part I. Theoretical Framework: 1. The authority of public intellectuals
2. The problem of the new
3. Courage: acting on conviction
4. Typology of engagements
Part II. Public Intellectuals: The Case of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates: 5. Intellectuals for peace
6. Heroes: legends in their own time
7. Dissidents: peaceful rebels
8. Champions: promoting the cause
9. Pioneers: bringing science to politics
Conclusion: the via contemplativa and the via active.

Subject Areas: Non-governmental organizations [NGOs JPWH], Social theory [JHBA], Social & political philosophy [HPS], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ]