Críticos, orgánicos, corporativos: Reflexiones sobre las responsabilidades y funciones sociales del trabajo intelectual universitario

Abstract

The task of intellectuals and their relationship with the demands and social conflicts has taken the shape of three models, influential both within and outside academic life. The critical model separated positions by identifying which is the position based on the knowledge model, apparently free of value judgments and interests. The organic intellectual model is at odds, since it conceives their task as a cultural tool to identify needs and interests of social sectors and to allow their satisfaction. Both views entail a risk: the privileges of being a corporate member of the intellectual stratum, particularly at the university level, and the subsequent lack of criticism of their own statements and actions as well as the lack of recognition of any foreign standing. The responsibility and performance of academic intellectual work will thus take place once the social demands are recognized, in particular, those of the needy. These need to be later translated to become visible and yield social satisfaction. This work is not only a formal procedure; it also entails an influential role in culture and is key to understanding the social responsibility of academia.