intellection

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'intellection' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that means the process of thinking or the power of abstract thought. For example, "Lisa's intellection was remarkable, as she was able to come up with creative solutions to problems quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Avicenna distinguishes four different states of the human intellect, which are not different faculties of the soul, but different phases of intellection: three potential intellects, called material, in habitu, in effectu, and one actually thinking intellect, the "acquired intellect" (al-'aql al-mustafâd, intellectus adeptus).

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But how in the first place do we get from potential intellect to actual intellection?

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The first is through the faculty of sight and the second through the intellect.[34] For the eye, like the intellect, is illumined by means of light, thereby establishing a relationship between the eye, the object seen, and the space that separates them.[35] Just as the sun supplies light to the eye, the divine intellect illumines the human intellect during the act of intellection.

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

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The second intellect of the rational soul unites with the objects of its intellection in a spiritual, non-corporeal sense and similarly, upon conveyance of the intellection to the higher intellect of the rational soul, the higher hypostasis of intellect within the rational soul also spiritually unites with the objects of its intellection.

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It is for the most fit of human souls, then, that we can expect the highest level of conjunction with the active intellect.[22] It is precisely this corollary to the theory of human intellection which lies at the heart of the Islamic philosophical and with it, the Maimonidean understanding of prophecy.

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

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Of course, as James readily acknowledged, although the intellect is its own formal cause, it cannot issue forth an act of intellection without some input from the senses.

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However much God is the final cause of intellection, He is not directly involved in the entire process, a sanctified Agent Intellect being His intermediary to man.

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In the Second Meditation, he describes himself as a thinking thing by enumerating all the modes of thoughts of which he is conscious: understanding (or intellection), willing, imagining, and (at this point, at least seeming to have) sense perceptions (7:28).

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If perception (intellection, representation) is the essence of thought, then all thoughts might be conscious in a basic way because the character of the intellectual substance is to represent, and any representation present in an intellectual substance is thereby conscious.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "intellection," ensure the context is appropriate for its formal and somewhat philosophical tone. Avoid using it in casual or informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "intellection" in everyday conversations or informal writing. It is a formal term and can sound pretentious or out of place in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The noun "intellection" functions as a formal term denoting the process or capacity of understanding by using one's intellect. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English. Examples show its use in philosophical and academic discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intellection" is a grammatically correct noun primarily used in formal, academic, and philosophical contexts to describe the process of understanding complex ideas through intellectual activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. As the examples in Ludwig demonstrate, the term is most frequently found in scientific contexts, particularly within philosophical discussions. While "intellection" is valid and useful in specific settings, it should be used judiciously in more casual or informal writing to avoid sounding pretentious. Consider alternative terms like "understanding" or "comprehension" depending on the context. When employing "intellection", ensure your writing aligns with its formal tone to effectively convey a sense of intellectual depth and rigor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mental apprehension

Emphasizes the mind's capacity to grasp and understand concepts.

cognitive understanding

Highlights the cognitive processes involved in achieving understanding.

intellectual grasp

Focuses on the ability to seize and comprehend complex ideas.

rational comprehension

Stresses the use of reason in understanding.

thoughtful consideration

Indicates careful and deliberate thinking.

deep contemplation

Highlights a profound and reflective level of thinking.

mental processing

Focuses on the mind's operations in dealing with information.

conceptual understanding

Emphasizes the ability to understand abstract concepts.

intellectual discernment

Highlights the ability to distinguish and understand subtle differences.

cognitive perception

Focuses on how the mind perceives and interprets information.

FAQs

How is "intellection" typically used in academic writing?

"Intellection" is frequently used in philosophy and intellectual history to describe the process of understanding complex ideas, often with a focus on the active role of the intellect.

What are some synonyms for "intellection" that I can use in different contexts?

Depending on the specific meaning you want to convey, you could use synonyms such as "understanding", "comprehension", "cognition", or "thinking". Consider also "mental apprehension".

Is "intellection" a formal or informal term?

"Intellection" is considered a formal term, primarily used in academic and philosophical discourse. It is less common in everyday conversation or informal writing.

How does "intellection" differ from simple "thinking"?

"Intellection" implies a deeper and more active engagement with ideas, focusing on the process of grasping the underlying nature or principles of something, whereas "thinking" is a more general term for any mental activity.