The component of intellect is the faculty for accurately evaluating choices. The intellect is where the accuracy of a decision is determined. Before a decision is final, the choices and their results should be accurately evaluated. This component is the key to good decisions. The intellect, however, does not make the decision, but rather is to accurately examine the choices. Its role is similar to that of a jury. The members of a jury are to evaluate the evidence presented and present its findings to the judge. Once the jury presents its findings to the judge, its job is done. The judge then makes a decision based upon the findings.
To carry out this task of evaluation, the intellect is equipped with the ability to receive information, the ability to weigh information, and the ability to recognize consistencies and inconsistencies. The intellect formulates conclusions, positions and opinions, which, when adopted, comprise one’s philosophy or belief system. The belief system becomes one’s frame of reference for future decisions. An inaccurately utilized intellect will lead to an inaccurate frame of reference and to inaccurate decisions.
As mentioned, the intellect includes the ability to receive information. The sources of information are varied and numerous: parents, teachers, books, memories, conversations, and a multiplicity of media and internet sites. Thankfully, the intellect includes the ability to differentiate among the sources and evaluate them. It also distinguishes and discerns the different facets of information received. One’s frame of reference is used for this function. An inaccurate frame of reference will distort the distinctions. The conclusions, positions and opinions one has previously adopted or accepted actually guide in receiving and in distinguishing any future information.
The frame of reference can be compared to a carpenter’s level. The level becomes the guiding standard for the entire building. Each time a block is laid or a form is built the level is used as a standard. If the level is accurate and used accurately, the building will be built precisely. The problem with this example is that the level remains the same but one’s frame of reference does not. It has the function of the level, but, like the building, it is under construction; that is, the frame of reference is constantly being built and modified. Unlike the building, it is continually being expanded by additions. If the building’s foundation is not level, then when compared with itself the walls may appear plumb when they are in fact out of plumb. If constructed inaccurately, the problems with one’s frame of reference will continue to multiply as it is used to guide further construction. Without an accurate standard (level) continually applied to one’s frame of reference it will become disjointed and out of balance. This eventually causes decision making to become painful and frustrating or simply a matter of feelings without thinking.
Once the information is received and distinctions made, the intellect then attempts to understand the information. Understanding can be viewed as properly relating newly acquired knowledge to knowledge previously acquired. Again, the frame of reference is used in the process. The usefulness of the information will depend upon one’s understanding. Information that is of no use to the recipient is of no current value. Understanding can also be compared to the construction of a building. When material is delivered to the construction site (information received), it must be combined with materials already in use. How does the new material relate to the construction? Where does the material fit? Keep in mind a building has a set of plans, but usually one’s frame of reference does not. If the material is not properly related to the previously built portions (understood) , the building takes on a different dimension, and this in turn, causes an improper relationship with the next material received. A frame of reference containing inaccurate and/or misunderstood information is like a building with flawed or inaccurately placed materials. The problems may not show up immediately and they may be hidden by subsequent material; however, the most severe problems will eventually corrupt and inhibit the entire frame of reference. A poor foundation may even cause the collapse of the entire frame of reference. An accurate frame of reference is another essential to sound decision making.
The intellect also includes the ability to weigh evidence. This may be called deliberation. Deliberation is used in receiving information and understanding it. The length of deliberation fluctuates. When a decision is to be made and the information is received, distinguished and understood, then one weighs the evidence ~ or deliberates over ~ the different possibilities and the evidence supporting each one. Again, the frame of reference is used to evaluate the alternatives. This is an application of standards to possibilities. This process can be distorted by the improper selection of evidence and by improper standards.
The thread which runs through the entire component of intellect is the ability to recognize consistencies and inconsistencies. This is an integral part of the decision making process. Why do we have the ability to recognize consistencies and inconsistencies? Because we need to be able to recognize the truth. Truth is never inconsistent with itself. Truth is objective reality; what actually is, not what we perceive it to be. Some have claimed that reality is an illusion or that there is no absolute truth. These are self-contradicting statements (inconsistent within themselves) meant to be accepted by faith without the use of the intellect. How could there be absolutely no absolutes? These and similar beliefs are nothing more than attempts to escape reality and its accountability. Beliefs do not change reality or the truth, though they may hide it for a time.
For us to recognize truth, we must know it exists, not just hope it exists or desire its existence. The existence of truth is simple to prove. The statement, “there is no truth,” cannot be true by its own admission. The opposite, therefore, must be true, i.e., there is truth. Many times pride rejects such simple logic.
Another condition for recognizing truth is intellectual honesty. For one to find the truth, he must be willing to submit it regardless of the cost before he starts his search. If one has not made the decision to submit to the truth when he clearly finds it, he can stare truth in the eye and never ‘see’ it. In fact, many people spend their lives stumbling over reality because they have chosen to believe something else.
Among the basic attributes of truth is consistency. Truth cannot be inconsistent with itself. Therefore, no portion of truth can contradict any other portion of truth. When examining various alternatives, one should compare them and their respective results with known truth. Any alternative that is inconsistent with known truth or that promotes such results may be properly rejected. When we encounter truly inconsistent positions (not just apparent inconsistencies), either one or both positions must be incorrect. A recognized inconsistency within information perceived should lead one to conclude that the information or part of the information is false. Since one’s frame of reference is usually used as a gauge to determine consistencies and inconsistencies, it is of great importance that it be accurate. If it is inaccurate, then truth could be rejected if it appears inconsistent with an inaccurate frame of reference.
If one’s frame of reference includes inconsistent beliefs, then attempting to distinguish between consistencies and inconsistencies will become a frustrating and futile activity. For instance, a construction foreman who believes that authority should not be respected will be frustrated by those he oversees. His belief that he can hold authority over others is inconsistent with his disrespect for authority in general. His own disrespect for authority will teach others to disrespect his authority causing unnecessary problems. Since he holds two inconsistent beliefs, he will not understand his men’s actions unless he changes his frame of reference.
The ability to recognize consistencies and inconsistencies is the focal point of reasoning. It becomes a filter through which information should be received before it is accepted as true and incorporated into one’s frame of reference. It is foundational to understanding. It asks and should answer the question, “How does this new knowledge fit consistently with previously acquired knowledge?” Examining consistencies and avoiding inconsistencies should be the main function of weighing evidence or deliberating over choices. Reasoning is the key to accurate decision making and recognizing consistencies and inconsistencies is the key to reasoning.
The intellect can be trained and enhanced. Without proper training it will warp one’s decision making process. The intellect, similar to one’s body, requires exercise. Without proper use and exercise one’s intellect will atrophy and fade. Many find this exercise painful because of a malformed frame of reference. Proper education trains the student’s intellect and builds an accurate and consistent frame of reference. Improper education plants the seeds of destruction in the student’s intellect.
The intellect can also be manipulated. One may choose to accept only certain alternatives for consideration or only certain evidence for deliberation. One may choose to ‘see’ consistencies or inconsistencies where they do not exist. One can manipulate information to make it appear consistent or ignore information that could expose an inconsistency. The intellect can be stifled and ignored. One can refuse to reason. When one does not properly train and exercise his intellect or chooses to manipulate it or ignore the reasoning process, it is usually because he does not realize the value of making accurate decisions.
The intellect or reasoning component operates to evaluate choices. It consists of the ability to receive information, to understand information, to weigh evidence and to recognize consistencies and inconsistencies. It is the key to accurate decision making. It should be used to build one’s entire belief system or frame of reference. If properly trained and exercised, one may achieve the contentment of knowing that each decision in life is accurate and one’s frame of reference then provides a great source of confidence and security. If this component is not properly utilized then one cannot be secure in his frame of reference and life becomes increasingly frustrating and miserable. The dramatic increase in stress and anxiety in America today can be laid at the door of improper frames of reference. The increase in the use of drugs (and excuses for them) has the same root cause ~ improper frames of reference. The essence of man is his frame of reference, his belief system, molded and shaped by his decisions and the decisions of others.
