practical intelligence or common sense; the ability to understand and make good decisions about situations.
From Greek 'nous' (mind/intellect), used by ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. It entered English in the 17th century from philosophical texts. It refers to practical wisdom rather than abstract knowledge.
Ancient Greek philosophers distinguished between 'nous' (intuitive understanding) and 'dianoia' (logical reasoning)—modern neuroscience is discovering they use different brain systems, validating a 2,400-year-old philosophical distinction.
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