What is intellectualism?

Answer

Intellectualism is a concept that, depending on the context, can refer to a specific philosophy of truth or a strong emphasis on rational thinking. Philosophically, intellectualism posits that all truth and morality are purely matters of knowledge, and that a person’s decisions are always guided by their intellect. In more colloquial terms, intellectualism suggests a characteristic of individuals who greatly value rationality and logic over emotions, or who regularly engage in complex thinking.

In philosophy, intellectualism asserts that factual knowledge is the primary determinant of human behavior. It is commonly associated with rationalism, which holds that logic and reason are the main tools for discovering truth. According to intellectualism, people consistently act based on their understanding of right and wrong. Therefore, intellectualism views moral shortcomings as stemming from ignorance rather than deliberate “evil” intentions.

When presented in simplistic ways, intellectualism may appear obviously flawed. Everyday observations show that individuals sometimes engage in actions they themselves would consider “immoral,” despite their awareness. It is hard to believe that people never behave in ways they would deem evil. This discrepancy is precisely what the conscience addresses. In contemporary philosophical discourse, intellectualism acknowledges this limitation and adopts a more nuanced perspective on how individuals “know” when they are acting immorally.

From a biblical standpoint, the philosophical concept of intellectualism is fundamentally flawed, especially in its basic forms. This is succinctly captured in the book of Romans, where Paul acknowledges the disconnect between his intellect and actions (Romans 7:15-20). The Bible portrays humanity as obstinate, rebellious, and sinful (Deuteronomy 9:13;Jeremiah 17:9;Romans 1:18-20)—not misinformed, perplexed, or unknowledgeable. A more nuanced perspective on philosophical intellectualism, proposing that the intellect surpasses the will without completely dominating it, helps address some of the issues with the philosophy. However, the assertion that human moral conduct is predominantly influenced by facts and rationality does not align with experience or Scripture.

Socially, intellectualism denotes a strong inclination towards reason, facts, and logic over emotions. It can also pertain to individuals who appreciate profound contemplation and advanced concepts. Those recognized for their rationality and coherent reasoning are frequently referred to as “intellectuals.” Scripturally, there is no fault in being an intellectual—Scripture praises the value of clear thinking «Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. », (Colossians 2:8), proof (Luke 1:1-4;2 Peter 1:16), and knowledge (Acts 17:11;Proverbs 14:6). Conversely, an extreme approach to intellectualism, at times referred to as hyper-rationalism, assumes one’s own reason as the ultimate arbiter of truth. This perspective is not endorsed by the Bible either «Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. », (Proverbs 3:5).