Intellectual Irony

"Irony may be defined as the conflict of two meanings which has a dramatic structure peculiar to itself: initially, one meaning, the appearance, presents itself as the obvious truth, but when the context of this meaning unfolds, in depth or in time, it surprisingly discloses a conflicting meaning, the reality, measured against which the first meaning now seems false or limited and,in its self-assurance, blind to its own situation."

-Norman Knox







It seems in the arena of politics it is a rich resource for comic irony. The Daily Show and the Colbert Report have plenty of material to choose from. In politics one must appear as something while dealing with actual realities and changing circumstances. Comic irony is important because it is an exercise in critical thinking. To NOT be blind to your situation or to others for that matter. Being an intellectual in the way Camus stated is something of a virtue- to watch your mind. To be alert to its laziness or prejudice. To be self aware and to be vigilant against your own assumptions and understanding of your own limitations. To be able to criticize your own argument or point of view is necessary for sharper arguments and stronger advocacy.

"An intellectual is someone whose mind watches itself."

-Albert Camus





“Irony is the happiness of reflection and the joy of wisdom”

-Anatole France