I am looking for a word to describe a person who is thought-full.
Quite literally, full of thoughts. I don't mean pensive because that
seems to imply that the thinking is only introspective. I am
interested in finding a term for someone who thinks about things on
their own but also engages in that thought process with others. I feel
that there must be a word out there for the kind of person who is
always discussing, considering, ruminating, engaging with questions
and thoughts. Any help?

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Request for Question Clarification by tutuzdad-ga on 18 Jan 2006 07:40 PST

How about these?

Perspicacious: Having or showing penetrating mental discernment

Percipient: Having the power of perceiving, especially perceiving
keenly and readily

Sagacious: Having or showing keen discernment, sound judgment, and farsightedness

Others might include: acute, alert, astute, aware, cagey,
clear-sighted, clever, discerning, heady, judicious, keen,
penetrating, perceptive, savvy, sharp, sharp-witted, shrewd

Please let me know if these seem to be what you are looking for.

tutuzdad-ga

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Request for Question Clarification by tutuzdad-ga on 18 Jan 2006 07:44 PST

I think the term "cerebral" might also work. Here are still others: 

Contemplative, absorbed, analytical, attentive, brainy, calculating,
cogitative, deep, deliberative, meditative, philosophic, rapt,
studious

tutuzdad-ga

I'm not sure whether there's any general word to describe a person who
thinks about things, then engages with other people in the way you
describe, except "intelligent", possibly  because it is assumed that
any intelligent person will discuss their thoughts  with others. 
However, there are lots of words to describe just how people express
their thoughts and/or engage with others -eg penetrating, wise,
rational, combative, argumentative, profound, receptive,
open/close-minded. If one was being complimentary, "thoughtful,
outgoing and open-minded" might fit the sort of person you're thinking
of.

"Thought-provoking" perhaps, if you will accept a hyphenated word.

Thinker \Think"er\, n. One who thinks; especially and chiefly, one who
thinks in a particular manner; as, a close thinker; a deep thinker; a
coherent thinker.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

If you wish to indicate that the thoughtfulness is not entirely
introspective, you could describe a thoughtful person as being
"reflective."

I would call this person prolific, or fecund.

Hi double_lefty,

I think I know what you're getting at -- someone who reflects deeply
within him or herself but also enables meaningful discussion of the
"big issues," drawing others out in reflection and debate on abstracts
and ideas. The best word I came up with to convey this is simply
"philosopher."

Emjay-ga

"I am interested in finding a term for someone who thinks about things on
their own but also engages in that thought process with others."

Philosophers do that, of course, but the word is not generally used
outside of certain fields.

I stick with my first suggestion:    thought-provoking.
Seems to fit the question as stated.