Furthermore, the Sāṃkhyakārikā states that the function of the senses with regard to the objects is "a mere seeing" (Sāṃkhyakārikā, 28b), and the function of the intellect, referred to as ascertainment, can be thought of as "identification" of the object as in "this is a cow", etc. (Sāṃkhyakārikā 5ab).
One of the functions of the agent intellect is to illuminate phantasms so that they can move the possible intellect to understand.
Since empirical consciousness is the function of the possible intellect according to Dietrich, and since in his Neoplatonic hierarchy the agent intellect being the cause of the possible intellect must be superior to it, it follows that empirical consciousness is due to the causal action of the agent intellect.
The most immediate consequences of the adoption of this view are (1) a new theory concerning the object of intellective knowledge, different from that presented in Book III of his De anima commentary; and (2) a new definition of the function of the active intellect in the process of knowledge.
It involves maintenance of subtle functions of the body like cognition, intellect, strength and immunity etc. as observed from the definition of Rasayana Tantra (science of rejuvenation and restoration) by Sushuruta (1500 BC) [ 8]: Rasayana tantra nama vayasthapanaayurmedhabalakaaram rogaapaharanasamartha cha.
Later, by about 600 bc, the Upaniṣads (a collection of searching, intellectually stimulating Indo-Aryan texts) record the quest for a coordinating principle that might underlie such diverse functions of the individual as speech, hearing, and intellect.
Presumably, Aristotle is thinking of the intellect.
Dementia is characterized by a gradual and irreversible impairment of the intellect, memory, and personality.
This view stresses the ultimate unicity of the intellect.
Since each of these activities are activities of the will or of the intellect, it follows that actions result from the activities of the will and the intellect.
