Theoretical Intelligence as Cognition

Abstract

Theorizing cannot be engaged in by mind if it is restricted to either a psyche or consciousness. To theorize requires that mind be aware of its mental content as both a product of the mind’s activity and about something objective. Only then can that content comprise a theory, a mental construct that mind comprehends to be of its own making as well as laying hold of objectivity. The self-feeling activity of the psyche may allow mind to commune with its own sentiments, but it provides no way of treating them as true representations; that is, as subjective modifications corresponding to an opposing objectivity. Although consciousness treats its mental contents as determinations of an objectivity it confronts, it cannot at the same time apprehend these mental contents to be products of mind that conform to that objectivity. Only a further reflection can make these mental contents a psychological object of conscious awareness, but this consciousness does not therein confront the mental content it employs to perceive that object. Once more, a further reflection, whose own act remains unnoticed by itself, is needed. Hence consciousness never theorizes but only has awareness of objects, which may be natural things, psychological phenomena, artifacts, living organisms, other conscious selves, or the reflection of itself in its interaction with others.