Active intellect

The active intellect (also translated as agent intellect, active intelligence, active reason, or productive intellect) is a concept in classical and medieval philosophy. The term refers to the formal (morphe) aspect of the intellect (nous), in accordance with the theory of hylomorphism.

The nature of the active intellect was the subject of intense discussion in medieval philosophy, as various Muslim, Jewish and Christian thinkers sought to reconcile their commitment to Aristotle's account of the body and soul to their own theological commitments. At stake in particular was in what way Aristotle's account of an incorporeal soul might contribute to understanding of the nature of eternal life.

Aristotle

The idea is first encountered in Aristotle's De Anima, Book III. Following is the translation of one of those passages (De Anima, Bk. III, ch. 5, 430a10-25) by Joe Sachs, with some notes about the Greek:

The passage tries to explain "how the human intellect passes from its original state, in which it does not think, to a subsequent state, in which it does." He inferred that the energeia/dunamis distinction must also exist in the soul itself. Aristotle says that the passive intellect receives the intelligible forms of things, but that the active intellect is required to make the potential knowledge into actual knowledge, in the same way that light makes potential colors into actual colors.

Podcasts:

PLAYLIST TIME:

Latest News for: active intellect

Edit

Learn to Code – 4 Reasons Why Your Child Should Do It

The Times of India 17 Mar 2025
The coding activity greatly sharpens, develops, and enhances a child's mental ability ... Parents and teachers would love for the kids to engross themselves in constructive activities that challenge their minds and sharpen their intellect.
Edit

Parshat Ki Tisa — Exodus 30:11-34:35

The American Israelite 13 Mar 2025
... intellect became the “receiver” for the active intellect of the Divine, having received all of the manifold potential possibilities of the future developments of Torah throughout the generations.
Edit

Zodiac Remedy Today (March 10, 2025): Daily Affirmations, Lucky Colour, Lucky Number, Mantras for Success

The Times of India 10 Mar 2025
The colours red and orange on your attire will activate your inner power and make you an irresistible force ... A creative activity will create happiness and public recognition; thus, you should display yourself definitively.
  • 1
×