the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > cultural ignorance > [noun] > uncultured person > who is not a student (2)
In German universities: (a derogatory term for) a townsperson, a non-student. Cf. philister, n. Now historical.
An unenlightened or uncultured person; = Philistine, n. 3; (spec. in German universities) a townsperson, a non-student.