The most noted of the arts (5)
I believe the answer is:
music
This clue might be a double definition.
'the most noted of' is the first definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'arts' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'the' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for music that I've seen before include "'Fled is that ---: do I wake or sleep?' (Keats)" , "Airs" , "Staff will support this" , "Art (of noise)" , "'My - - ' , radio quiz" .)