What does mentalistic mean?
Mentalistic means relating to mentalism. Its principal academic use describes an approach that treats mental states and psychological processes as central to explaining human behaviour, often in contrast with accounts based solely on physical or observable behavioural processes. In this sense, it appears in discussions of philosophy of mind, psychology, and theories of language or perception. The term also has a less common spiritualist use: a mentalistic belief or claim may concern telepathy, clairvoyance, or other powers attributed to the mind. Mentalistic is not an everyday description of someone who simply thinks carefully or imaginatively. It is also distinct from mentalism, which names the doctrine itself, and from mentalist, which may denote a person who holds or practises such views. Although unusual, the word is useful because it identifies a specifically theoretical orientation toward the mind rather than a general mental or emotional condition.
adjectiveRelating to mentalism, especially the view that mental processes are fundamental to explaining human behaviour. It can also describe a belief in the extraordinary powers of the mind.
- Based on the view that mental states or mental processes are fundamental to explaining behaviour.
- Relating to or expressing belief in telepathy, clairvoyance, or other extraordinary powers of the mind.
"The psychologist rejected a purely mechanical account of behaviour in favour of a more mentalistic approach."
"Her mentalistic interpretation of the testimony emphasized the subjects' motives and perceptions."
"The medium's supporters made several mentalistic claims that critics regarded as implausible."
One adjective can describe both a philosophy of mind and the alleged extraordinary powers of the mind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mentalistic come from?
Mentalistic was formed in the early 20th century from mental plus the suffix -istic, meaning “pertaining to” or “characterized by.” Mental in turn comes through Old French from Latin mentalis, meaning “of the mind,” ultimately derived from Latin mens, meaning “mind.” The same root underlies mentality, mentalism, and mentalist.
Related word forms
How mentalistic is actually used
This is a specialized and relatively uncommon term. In academic usage it generally concerns theories of mind or psychology; in spiritualist contexts it may refer to telepathy, clairvoyance, and related beliefs.
Easily confused with mentalistic
Mentalism is the doctrine or belief itself, whereas mentalistic is the adjective describing something based on or connected with that doctrine.