Honesty Still Is the Best Policy. (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Agassi, Joseph
• Other Names: Zahle Julie guest-editor.; Kaldis Byron guest-editor.; Bouvier Alban guest-editor.; Roth Paul A. guest-editor.; Montuschi Eleonora guest-editor.; Bohman Jim guest-editor.; Turner Stephen guest-editor.; Wylie Alison guest-editor.; Zamora-Bonilla Jesus guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Philosophy of the social sciences. Volume 44:Number 5(2014)
• Page Start: 673
• Page End: 687
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: sociology of science -- sociology of the academy -- social epistemology -- truth seeking -- professional ethics -- alienation -- intelligent design; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Sciences sociales -- Périodiques; Sciences sociales -- Méthodologie -- Périodiques; 300.1
• DOI: 10.1177/0048393112451739
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0048-3931

Abstract

Fuller describes the place of intellectuals in the modern world—as researchers, teachers, academics, and citizens. Their job is that of developing and promoting ideas. He explains their failure to perform well and offers advice: say what you think you should say, not necessarily what you think. The advice is unsuitable; it is aimed at advisers and expert witnesses, not at intellectuals. Also, his analysis invites proposals for social reforms aimed at lowering traditional expectations of intellectuals and toward presenting them with clearer and fairer job descriptions instead.