Modern European learning introduced by the Portuguese-Spanish Catholics and the Dutch Protestants to Indonesian native educational institutions in the 20th century influenced the definition of the word Budi. In this intellectual period, Budi is re-defined and re-interpreted not as spiritual as understood before, but as human entity. In 1961, for example, Nicolas Drijarkara defined Budi as ethical reason or moral reason as understood by the moralist Immanuel Kant.
Contemporary European education, introduced by Catholic and Protestant scholars from Portugal and the Netherlands to Indonesian educational institutions in the 20th century, influenced the definition of Budi. During this intellectual period, Budi was redefined and reinterpreted as a human entity, rather than solely a spiritual concept. In 1961, Nicolas Drijarkara defined Budi as ethical or moral reasoning, similar to Immanuel Kant's understanding.