The aim of the book

This book aims to develop a sociological account of civil courage and creative behaviour. It looks at the careers, lives and works of creative and courageous public intellectuals in order to advance our understanding of the conditions that facilitate the production of public goods by intellectuals. By providing insight into the nature of the public involvement of intellectuals, the book also demonstrates the continuing importance of public intellectuals for the health of democracy. I understand the term ‘public intellectuals’ to include those scientists, academics in the humanities and the social and political sciences, writers, artists and journalists who articulate issues of importance in their societies to the general public. I argue that, in order to take on the role of ‘democracy's helpers’ (Kenny 2004: 89), public intellectuals need both creativity and courage, which are the essential building blocks of their authority to speak out on broad issues of public concern. While acknowledging that the public authority of an intellectual develops in the course of what he or she does and depends upon a variety of conditions and resources, I stress the significance of creativity and courage ‘which embody the values of civil society’ (Swedberg 1999: 522) as the twin major dimensions of the intellectual's reputation and standing with the public.