in·tel·lect ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ntl-kt)
n.

1. 1. <LI type=a>The ability to learn and reason; the capacity for knowledge and understanding.
   2. The ability to think abstractly or profoundly. See Synonyms at mind.
2. A person of great intellectual ability.

The direction of the discussions is, imo, more a perception of the word. The acquiring of knowledge is based on an academic tradition which is only for a few. As many already said; do and don't talk, while abstract thought is a key word for intellectualism.

intellectual workers engaged in creative literary or artistic or scientific labor

This too hints towards a tradition of acquiring knowledge via the literary way. I have to admit that I might be biased on this, but that's what an opinion is for.
It should als be made clear that one of the latter isn't better. sing an empirical route to get things done is a trait many scientist do not have (this too is from personal experience from my uni-time) Intellectualism can make one ridgid in his problem solving abilities. I reckon that, as always, the combination of both is the best of two worlds.

Well, since we have free speech it's hard to be anti-intellectual, though I suppose if no-one wanted to listen to your rants it could be interpreted as such.

Originally Posted by major liability

Well, since we have free speech it's hard to be anti-intellectual, though I suppose if no-one wanted to listen to your rants it could be interpreted as such.

I think that America is not necessarily anti-intellectual (though certain prominent groups and organizations in the country are), but it is becoming decidedly closed-minded.

I have to disagree on America as a whole being close-minded. Look at how many societal changes have taken place from say. . 1950 to present. From tolerance to the way we dress, to the acceptable way a child is punished, to the way people interact socially etc.

On the other hand, I do agree if you are only applying that comment to certain groups and organizations within America.

Just to make sure..... but what is your definition of anti-intellectual? I myself, look at it in an academic way; key words are knowledge, analysis and deep thought. But I read many other interpretations so before I go on, please explain what is meant by it. The definitions given earlier are not really kept in account.

And there are some who believe that a true "intellectual" is an over educated nitwit. Someone who has been "educated" far beyond the level of his intelligence, and far beyond his ability to understand what he has learned.

Anti-Intellectual.

In my definition, it is defined as: 1. Immediate conclusions without using the scientific approach and logical reasoning. 2. Narrow minded, no cultural appreciation 3. Against creativity.

But Cabal, do you reckon an anti-intellectual can be very intelligent?

The unibomber was considered very intelligent and most of his victims were considered intellectuals since they were in academia and business executives.

I think most of the people who call the US anti-intellectual are either grossly uneducated about the history of sociatal intellectualism or just have stupid ideas and no one wants to hear them so they retreat into the ivory tower of "well obviously I'm just so far BEYOND them, that's why they don't like what I have to say"

Well I don't mind what you have to say WD, it's just a tat generalizing.
But I wonder why all of a sudden the people who have been saying: don't wait so long, let's do it" or "The Euro's do nothing but talk while we have to act" and many more of these exclamations.... they are the ones who say that they are intellectuals.
Also I'd like to stress that being intellectual is just added value, while intelligence is more then enough. So you have this very big group of people in the US who pride themselves on getting the job done and being practical. And suddenly you are intellectuals as well! That just don't match...

(Once again, intellectualism is just a means and not a goal. Being intellectual doesn't make you any better.)