Western Traditionalist and Conservative Critiques of Intellectuals

Number: 19/20
Date: 2025-03-09
Yahya Alshamy

This paper examines Western conservative and traditionalist critiques of intellectuals, focusing on Friedrich Hayek, Thomas Sowell, Roger Scruton, and Patrick Deneen. Since modernity, intellectuals have played an increasingly significant role in shaping social and political life, often driving ideological change. Their influence, particularly in advancing leftist ideas, has made them a focal point of criticism from conservatives and traditionalists, who argue that intellectuals undermine traditional institutions and promote unrealistic policies. This paper analyzes and compares the critiques of these four thinkers, highlighting their epistemic, pragmatic, and ideological concerns. It also examines responses from leftist intellectuals, including Noam Chomsky and Edward Said, to provide a balanced perspective. The study invites further discussion on the role of intellectuals in contemporary society.