public-intellectualism
The practice of scholars engaging with the public through media to comment on social, political, and cultural issues, as common in Europe but less so in the United States.
1 chapter across 1 book
Travels in Hyperreality (1986)Umberto Eco
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.