Philosopher-Kings and Teacher-Researchers: The Charge of Anti-Intellectualism in Composition’s Theory Wars

Discusses leveling a charge of anti-intellectualism against compositionists who demand that theory result in classroom practice. Suggests the charge ignores the material conditions and intellectual reasons for that demand. Concludes there is a crucial place for theory in composition, even theory for theory’s sake, but teaching in the composition classroom should be the center of the discipline, its epistemological heart.