In this group we have discussed Artificial Intelligence (AI) on numerous occasions. It might be time to address Human Intelligence and its many issues before we lose all sight of it.
Definition:
“Intelligence can be defined as the ability to solve complex problems or make decisions with outcomes benefiting the actor and has evolved in lifeforms to adapt to diverse environments for their survival and reproduction. Problem-solving and decision-making are functions of the nervous system, including the brain, so intelligence is closely related to the nervous system.” (source: “Birth of Intelligence – From RNA to Artificial Intelligence by D. Lee).
The factual but often controversial issue:
Intelligence can be differing between individuals because of different evolutionary pathways and varying adaptation to diverse environments, including social groups and societies. It is therefore a construct which is hard to pinpoint, to define or to measure.
Why intelligence?
In the centre of it all is adaptation. Adaptation is the act of changing our behaviour to make it suitable for a new purpose or situation. Most living creatures are capable of adaptation when compelled to do so. In short, adaptation is the evolutionary process whereby an organism becomes better able to live in its habitat. It makes survival and reproduction possible.
We assume that as more intelligence an organism/person possesses, as better adapted they are. At least this is what we could assume if we would stick to our definition of intelligence. Indeed, as a blunt rule, more intelligence is often found more beneficial than the very lack of it.
However, the reality appears sometimes different. We are often judging people as intelligent, which do not fit the definition of best adapted. We give people credit for attributes which appear intelligent to us regardless of their success or adaptive value. Formal education is such an attribute. The ability to speak well and articulate is another. Not all who are higher educated, speak well or are introspective are well adapted or have a more successful life. They also do not necessary feel equipped or comfortable to reproduce. Not all intelligent people are happy, successful people.
Factors which enhance intelligence
Intelligence can be enhanced through a combination of lifestyle choices and cognitive exercises. This includes prioritizing good sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet, as well as engaging in activities like learning, reading, and playing musical instruments or sports.
Additionally, factors like learning via a stimulating environment and early childhood experiences also play a significant role. For this reason, children who grow up in intellectually stimulating homes have less difficulties with cognitive and linguistically demanding tasks, which are highly required during schooling. It is also assumed, that the mastery of a large vocabulary benefits higher thinking skills and conceptual and critical questioning.
Introspection and metacognition (reflecting on one own’s thoughts and emotions), as a skill, is considered a large component of intelligence. When practiced well, it should give us the ability to make sound choices and decisions. (For this reason, we culturally consider Philosophy as an intelligent practice.) However, introspection and metacognitive skills are practices which are not necessarily equally distributed throughout society. Why is this so?
Seeking out new challenges and stepping outside our comfort zone and embracing new challenges can stimulate learning and growth and hence impacts intelligence. Again, this requires opportunities, which may or may not be available for every person alike.
Factors which can hamper intelligence
Several factors can hinder intelligence development, including childhood emotional neglect, lack of access to education and learning resources, inadequate healthcare and nutrition, and certain genetic predispositions.
Our personality or temperament can hamper or benefit intelligence; e.g. shy/introvert personalities are often less verbally questioning than those who dare to express questions freely, for example. Whilst that does not make all introverts less intelligent, they do exchange information with others less.
At this point we may want to discuss, is finding valuable, useful versus irrelevant information a hallmark of intelligent people?
Collective intelligence
We know of collective intelligence in the context of innovative teamwork and design. Technology as we know it is the result of outstanding minds working together to achieve a common goal.
However, there are also voices which point out that collective intelligence struggles to work to its potential. It is often stifled, stagnant and illogical. We can all validate this when observing harmful economic or political decisions.
Quote:
Charles Darwin: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
