Intellect Mind Over Matter

In this provocative essay Adler ( A Guidebook to Learning , etc.), chairman of the editorial board of the Encyclopedia Britannica , among other distinguished positions, considers intellect as the quality separating humans from animals, who possess cognitive perception. Arguing a case for mind over matter, he cites intellect as the agent responsible for uniquely creative activity. Discussing ``Virtue and Vice'' he warns against neglecting and/or misusing the intellect and urges the attainment of intellectual virtues such as prudence and strength of character as prerequisites to acquiring ``good intellectual habits.'' The liberal arts, he stresses, ``should be in everyone's habitual possession''; according to Adler, it is not possible today for anyone to be a specialist in all fields. (Apr.)