Do not feel uncomfortable to declare ur IQ ? ( Archived) (45)

Let_Us: WHAT is "intelligence"? Damn good question!

But since this started out with "IQ" tests. Let's dispense with them, first. As typically formatted, IQ test don't really test "intelligence". They are language biased, knowledge biased, and are calculated according to speed. NONE of which (in MY opinion) directly assesses "intelligence". The MORE formal schooling you have, the better you'll do. The faster you read, the better you'll do. But neither of these two items directly correlates to intelligence. To ME, these are "skills", not "intelligence".

Intelligence, as normally thought of, might better be defined as the ability to recognize patterns. The usual process of "learning" is, for the most part, the ability to perceive patterns. It's the ability to extract the pattern out of a series of associated events, that is generally called "intelligence", because what is called "knowledge" can, at its most basic, be the description of a "pattern". And, for the most part, our brains are electro-chemical pattern recognition computers. The whole concept of "deductive reasoning", on which our science and technology rest, is founded in pattern recognition. If A, then B. And, if B, the C. Pattern recognition. Knowledge. But is THAT "intelligence"? It's an ability, but "I" don't know if THAT qualifies as "intelligence".

But, if you were to talk with the really "original" thinkers, in science, as well as many other fields, you'll come across an interesting FACT! Most of the really B-I-G jumps, in knowledge WEREN'T derived through the process of deductive reasoning/pattern recognition. They were "insightful". And USUALLY, these "insights" occurred when the person wasn't even contemplating the problem/question, which the insight solved! The person's brain solved the problem, BY ITSELF, when it wasn't under the conscious direction of individual. The brain "recognised" a pattern that the person him (or her) self COULDN'T "see", through conscious self direction. And then the person had to trace the "solution" backwards, to the problem/question. To find the "pattern/connection" that they COULDN'T "see", on their own. Of course, all the "buts" of "knowledge: were present, in the person's brain, PRIOR to the "insight". But having all the "pieces" of the puzzle, didn't allow the person to solve the problem. The brain solved the problem, when it WASN'T being directed into this or that line of reasoning. But, AGAIN, IF the brain WASN'T under "conscious" control, does THAT constitute "intelligence?

"Intelligence" is, at best, a nebulous "thing". Would you call an idiot savant "intelligent"? If they have superior skill, in one area, but can't function in OTHER arenas, can they truly be said to be intelligent? "I" don't think so.

About the best "I" can come up with, is to describe "intelligence", is the ability to "solve" problems. But solving problems DOESN'T have a SINGLE "measureable" aspect/attribute, as far as I can see. The ability to solve problems CAN be observed! But there's NO "one attribute" to which it can be attributed. And, since there's no "ONE" thing to "measure", I don't "see" that it CAN BE "measured". At least, NOT by any means PRESENTLY at our disposal. Intelligence EXIST! But what it is, I don't think anybody truly knows, as of now, if EVER!