Editing Intellect (section)

== In psychology ==
[[File:Guilford model.jpg|thumb|375x375px|The Structure of Intellect (SI) model organizes intellectual functions in three dimensions: (i) Operations, (ii) Contents, and (iii) Products.{{sfnp|Guilford|1956}}]]

A person's intellectual understanding of reality derives from a [[conceptual model]] of reality based upon the [[perception]] and the [[cognition]] of the material world of reality. The conceptual model of ''mind'' is composed of the mental and emotional processes by which a person seeks, finds, and applies logical solutions to the problems of life. The full potential of the intellect is achieved when a person acquires a factually accurate understanding of the real world, which is mirrored in the [[mind]]. The mature intellect is identified by the person's possessing the capability of emotional self-management, wherein they can encounter, face, and resolve problems of life without being overwhelmed by emotion.{{sfnp|VandenBos|2006}}

Real-world [[experience]] is necessary to and for the development of a person's intellect, because, in resolving the problems of life, a person can intellectually comprehend a social circumstance (a time and a place) and so adjust their social [[behavior]] in order to act appropriately in the society of other people. Intellect develops when a person seeks an emotionally satisfactory solution to a problem; mental development occurs from the person's search for satisfactory solutions to the problems of life. Only experience of the real world can provide [[understanding]] of [[reality]], which contributes to the person's intellectual development.<ref>{{Cite web|title =Psychology of Knowledge: Development of the Intellect|url =http://augustinianparadigm.com/psychology_of_knowledge.htm|website=augustinianparadigm.com|access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref>

=== Jung and the four cognitive functions ===
[[Carl Gustav Jung]], the Swiss psychiatrist and founder of [[analytical psychology]], offered a nuanced view of intellect and intuition within the human [[Psyche (psychology)|psyche]]. He acknowledged the importance of intellectual faculties for logical reasoning and understanding but cautioned against overreliance on intellect at the expense of other vital aspects of the psyche, such as intuition and emotion.{{sfnp|Singer|1994}}

In ''[[Psychological Types]]'' (1923), Jung explored different modes of [[consciousness]], including the role of intellect. He identified thinking as one of the [[Jungian cognitive functions|primary psychological functions]], which, when extraverted, is oriented by objective data and often recognized as the dominant mode in scientific and philosophical endeavors. He stated:{{sfnp|Jung|1923|p=430}}

{{quote|In this sense it might be said that the extraverted intellect, i.e. the mind that is orientated by objective data, is actually the only one recognized.}}

Jung also associated intellect with the thinking function in his model of psychological types. In contrast to feeling, sensation, and intuition, thinking relies on structured, rational cognition. While necessary for problem-solving and scientific inquiry, intellect alone cannot fully grasp the depths of the psyche or facilitate individuation—the process of becoming a whole and integrated self. He noted:{{sfnp|Jung|1923|p=611}}

{{quote|The faculty of directed thinking, I term ''intellect:'' the faculty of passive, or undirected, thinking, I term ''intellectual intuition''.}} 

This distinction reflects an influence from Platonic thought, where ''dianoia'' (discursive reasoning) is differentiated from ''noesis'' (direct apprehension or intuition). Jung expanded upon this by integrating these concepts into his psychological framework, emphasizing that both intellect and intuition are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the self and the world. For Jung, intellect had its place but needed to be balanced with intuitive and symbolic thought.{{sfnp|Bishop|2022}}

=== Guilford and the structure of intellect ===
In 1956, the psychologist [[J. P. Guilford|Joy Paul Guilford]] (1897–1987) proposed a Structural Intellect (SI) model in three dimensions: (i) Operations, (ii) Contents, and (iii) Products. Each parameter contains specific, discrete elements that are individually measured as autonomous units of the human mind.{{sfnp|Guilford|1956}} Intellectual operations are represented by [[cognition]] and [[memory]], production (by [[divergent thinking]] and [[convergent thinking]]), and [[evaluation]]. Contents are figurative and [[symbol]]ic, [[semantics|semantic]] and behavioral. Products are in units, classes, and [[Relation of Ideas|relations]], systems, transformations, and implications.{{sfnp|Guilford|1967}}

{{expand section|date=February 2025}}