The role of intellectuals in Maltese society today

Abstract

There are various kinds of intellectuals. Reflecting on their role in society is often straightforward when dealing with members of the Faculties of Architecture, Dental Surgery, Economics, Medicine, and Engineering. It is much more difficult when referring to members of the Faculty of Humanities. If intellectuals are not producing anything tangible, their value to society is easily brought into question. It is clear that society needs architects, surgeons, doctors, economists and engineers. But does it really need people working in history, in literature, in philosophy, theology, music, art and drama? This is the question I will explore in this talk. My hope is that the answers will be relevant not only to those directly engaged in the Humanities, but also to those whose output is more concrete or practical. We need to recall that intellectuals, of whatever type, are necessarily involved in society. Whether they like it or not, they form part of a group characterised by language, politics, history and culture.