The riddles by Kavolis. The dilemma of intellectuals – then and now

Abstract

By analyzing the early work of famous Lithuanian sociologist V. Kavolis and the analytical scheme of intellectuals unfolding in it, the article presents the Kavolian concept of intellectuals. The latter is associated with such a rationality in which a cold mind and a taintless conscience coexist, which promotes the duty to improve the reflection of public affairs by recognizing the awareness of one’s own limits and the right of others to think differently. The text discusses such features of intellectuals like cognitive, analytical and communicative abilities, forms of sociality that nurture concern for public affairs, and moral culture. Kavolis was concerned not only with the understanding of particular social phenomena, but also with the possibility of contributing to the development of individual and public awareness. After discussing the concept of intellectuals composed by Kavolis, the article indicates parallels related to his sociological imagination and particular research method, which converge and develop in the later work of the sociologist. Finally, it draws the line between the model of public intellectuals constructed by the author a few decades ago and its ability to interpret contemporary reality.