#9929
Mentioned in 4 episodes

The treason of the intellectuals

Book • 1927
Published in 1927, 'The Treason of the Intellectuals' by Julien Benda critiques the role of intellectuals in the early 20th century, particularly their involvement in and support of nationalist and fascist movements.

Benda posits that intellectuals have abandoned their pursuit of universal truths and justice, instead serving partisan and nationalist agendas.

He argues that this betrayal undermines the intellectual vocation and contributes to moral and political corruption.

The book is a timely warning against the seduction of intellectuals by tribal loyalties and antipathies, and it remains relevant in discussions about intellectual responsibility and the role of intellectuals in society.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 4 episodes

Mentioned by Tony Deeden, describing its exploration of intellectuals abandoning truth for political agendas.
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Mentioned as a critical work that criticized Bergson's nationalism during World War I.
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Mentioned by Andrew Keen as a book that Mark Lilla recently wrote an introduction to.
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