What is an intellectual?

[Hong Kong Chinese]

I’d like to know the definition of an intellectual?

From the definition of Merriam-Webster:
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=intellect

It just means that the one who understands

But from Cambridge:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=41289&dict=CALD


http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=41289&dict=CALD

It means those who think of and understand complicated ideas.

If I have no formal education, and if I can think of and understand complicate ideas, can I call myself an intellectual?

Teachers, please enlighten me!

 

[RonBee]

Here is MSN Encarta's definition of intellectual:

• intelligent person: somebody with a highly developed ability to reason and understand, especially if also well educated and interested in the arts or sciences or enjoying activities involving serious mental effort
  
  
  [15th century. Via Old French from late Latin intellectualis , from intellectus “intellect,” from intellegere “to perceive”
  http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?refid=1861621689

We had this question on the Delphi forum. I wish I could remember what I said.

I am sure others will make contributions to this discussion.

 

[henry]

I agree with you.
However, let me share my knowledge.

Intellectual: a person who is well educated and enjoys activities ( such as culture and what RonBee mentioned before) in which they have to think seriously about things in a logical way.

8)

 

[Tdol]

I’d like to know the definition of an intellectual?

From the definition of Merriam-Webster:
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=intellect

It just means that the one who understands

But from Cambridge:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=41289&dict=CALD


http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=41289&dict=CALD

It means those who think of and understand complicated ideas.

If I have no formal education, and if I can think of and understand complicate ideas, can I call myself an intellectual?

Teachers, please enlighten me!

Being an intellectual is not dependent, necessarily, on education, imho. :lol:

 

[MikeNewYork]

I’d like to know the definition of an intellectual?

From the definition of Merriam-Webster:
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=intellect

It just means that the one who understands

But from Cambridge:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=41289&dict=CALD


http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=41289&dict=CALD

It means those who think of and understand complicated ideas.

If I have no formal education, and if I can think of and understand complicate ideas, can I call myself an intellectual?

Teachers, please enlighten me!

Being an intellectual is not dependent, necessarily, on education, imho. :lol:

It is not completely dependent on education, but education certainly helps. One can educate oneself, but it is very difficult. :wink:

 

[Tdol]

That's why I added 'necessarily'. There are also the cases of those with a lot of education who think of themselves as intellectuals, but don't cut the mustard.;-)

 

[MikeNewYork]

That's why I added 'necessarily'. There are also the cases of those with a lot of education who think of themselves as intellectuals, but don't cut the mustard.;-)

That is certainly true. :wink: