What comprises the proper components of intellectuality? Is an intellect an individual knowledgable in all areas, many areas, his/her area, or simply a dedicated reasoner? Also, is there difference between an intellect and a genius?
2006-09-09 16:30:30 · 6 answers · asked by Dr. Blake 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Yikes, what a question!
An intellectual is one who is versed in the classics. Typically they are well read in a broad range of literature and maybe dabble some in one of the social sciences like psychology or philosophy.
A liberal arts degree won't cut it, they mostly just name drop at cocktail parties and excel at trivial pursuit!
A genius? Well, it can be measured by IQ points but that standard blows. I know some Mensa people and they ain't that smart. I think a genius is one who can grasp complex concepts and have a creative response.
A genius also works and creates a "body of work" which helps to define him as a genius.
2006-09-09 16:43:38 · answer #1 · answered by wrathofkublakhan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I consider an intellectual one who can look for meaning in things.
your layman will just take something as it is and leave it at that, an intellectual will look deeper.
and yes, I would say there is a difference between intellect and genius, while they are often shared they are not always, I know many people of average intelligence who I would consider intellects and many geniuses who I would not.
2006-09-10 02:54:21 · answer #2 · answered by phalsephasod 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The easy answer first: intellectual and genius are essentially the same although there is a test for intellect. Cf. Mensa.
The more difficult question of what constitutes intelligence is answered in your name: Hamlet. Self-awareness is the basis of and the expression of true intelligence.
2006-09-10 01:47:37 · answer #3 · answered by Joe Cool 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Intellectuals are usually geniuses, knowledgeable in several areas, like to reason and debate topics with others. Get accused of using big words to make people feel inferior, when in fact, this is how they speak all the time. Nerds. Absolutely fun to find subjects of interest and pick people's brains until satisfied.
2006-09-09 23:44:37 · answer #4 · answered by kriend 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not to be confused with pseudo-intellectuals.
These are people who are intellectual bullies; they enjoy putting people down to make themselves feel good; they are intolerant of alternative opinions and can't stand being contradicted; they generally haven't been to university and assume a high school education qualifies them to be classed as "intellectuals"; they are boring, and pretentious and I work with one which is how I know.
2006-09-10 01:10:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i didn't mean to undermine ur ability to click on resources but i did for u anyway.....aside from the obvious...which u will know from the links below....sometimes intellectualism can be used as a defense mechanism...to cover for utter...feeling of inadequacy....one uses intellectual words....to give the impression of being an intellectual LOL
2006-09-09 23:42:13 · answer #6 · answered by ♦cat 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋