Journal of East China Normal University (Philosoph ›› 2012, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (4): 71-77.

• 伦理学研究 • Previous Articles     Next Articles

On Jacoby’s Discussion of the Tension between the Intellectuals and Utopia

QI Cheng   

  • Online:2012-07-15 Published:2012-09-12
  • Contact: QI Cheng
  • About author: QI Cheng

Abstract: With the spread of the claim of the end of the Utopia in the world,the psychiatric diagnosis of the intellectuals has stalled. Jacoby, a Western Marxist, makes a close examination of social history to explore the tension between the intellectuals and Utopia. He discusses the imaginary space of public intellectuals and their hidden Messiah complex in the doctrines of Utopia. By clarifying the distinction between Utopianism and totalitarianism, he defines the genuine intellectuals and affirms the value of Utopia in an age of pluralism. With the conscience of a public intellectual, Jacoby provides his own way to release the tension between the intellectuals and Utopia.