active intellect

USAGE SUMMARY

'active intellect' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a mind that is actively seeking out knowledge and understanding. For example, "The young student had an active intellect and was always eager to learn more."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The next stage is the ability of the soul to produce knowledge actively, by being an active intellect; finally it acquires certainty through union with the Active Intellect, a transcendent principle of perfect knowledge which we discuss below.

SEP

Of course, the premise also presumes the Aristotelian conception that the intellective soul has an active intellect, the active faculty enabling it to perform abstraction.

SEP

Averroes and Avicenna both teach that the human and active intellect conjoin in the moment of intellection.

SEP

For Averroes, there is for all humans one shared separate active intellect and one shared separate material intellect, with the activation of abstraction taking place in the shared active intellect and the reception of the abstracted intelligibles taking place in the shared material intellect.

SEP

For Maimonides, as for his Islamic predecessors, active intellect is like a light: it is the overflowing illuminating fount of human intellection and prophecy.

SEP

It fits with the active intellect that Ms. Prada brings to her work.

The New York Times

The intellectual faculty of the philosophers and the prophets receives an overflow from the active intellect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first of these is the passive intellect; the second is active intellect, of which Aristotle speaks tersely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Aquinas claims that knowledge is obtained when the active intellect abstracts a concept from an image received from the senses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this context, the "giver" emerges as active intellect.

SEP

The Active Intellect belongs to the divine hierarchy.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing philosophical concepts, ensure that you clearly define "active intellect" within the context of the specific philosopher or school of thought you are referencing.

Common error

Avoid using "active intellect" interchangeably with "passive intellect". Understand that "active intellect" refers to the faculty that abstracts forms from sensory input, while "passive intellect" receives those forms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "active intellect" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show its use in philosophical and academic discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "active intellect" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, especially within philosophical and academic circles. As Ludwig highlights, it specifically refers to the aspect of the intellect responsible for converting potential knowledge into actual knowledge. Predominantly found in science, encyclopedias, and occasionally in news media, its formal and technical nature suggests careful usage within appropriate contexts. Remember to avoid confusing it with "passive intellect", its counterpart in the knowledge acquisition process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lively mind

Focuses on the dynamic and animated quality of the intellect.

intellectual dynamism

Emphasizes the energy and forcefulness of intellectual activity.

sharp mind

Highlights the keenness and quickness of the intellect.

acute intelligence

Stresses the penetrating and discerning nature of intelligence.

engaged intellect

Focuses on the active involvement and participation of the mind.

thinking ability

A broader term that encompasses the capacity for thought and reasoning.

cognitive agility

Highlights the flexibility and adaptability of cognitive processes.

reasoning prowess

Emphasizes the skill and expertise in logical thinking.

mental acuity

Focuses on the sharpness and clarity of mental perception.

intellectual curiosity

Highlights the inquisitive and exploratory nature of the intellect.

FAQs

How is "active intellect" typically used in philosophy?

In philosophy, "active intellect" generally refers to the aspect of the intellect that transforms potential knowledge into actual knowledge. It's often discussed in the context of Aristotelian and Islamic philosophy.

What's the difference between "active intellect" and "passive intellect"?

The "active intellect" is the agent that abstracts intelligible forms from sensory data, making knowledge actual. The "passive intellect" receives and stores these forms, representing potential knowledge.

In which philosophical traditions does the concept of "active intellect" appear?

The concept of "active intellect" is prominent in Aristotelian philosophy, as well as in Islamic and Jewish philosophical traditions, particularly in the works of thinkers like Averroes, Avicenna, and Maimonides.

Can "active intellect" be used outside of philosophical discussions?

While primarily used in philosophical and academic contexts, "active intellect" can also describe someone who is intellectually engaged and actively seeks knowledge, though more common terms like "intellectually curious" or "inquisitive mind" might be more accessible.