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political-duty
The moral obligation Eco feels as a European intellectual to participate in political discourse and critique through his writings.
1 chapter across 1 book
Travels in Hyperreality (1986)Umberto Eco
Chapter 4
In the preface to the American edition of Travels in Hyperreality, Umberto Eco explains the cultural differences between European and American intellectuals regarding public engagement and the role of scholars in society. He discusses his dual role as an academic and columnist, emphasizing the importance of using newspapers as a platform for immediate reflection and political involvement. Eco also clarifies his approach to semiotics, highlighting its relevance to interpreting signs in everyday life while distancing himself from overly technical or misrepresented uses of the discipline.