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Platapus · 05-26-19, 06:48 AM

I have serious concerns in any methodology that attempts to measure "intelligence".

I have seen, and taken, multiple tests that evaluate problem solving, visualization, abstract reasoning, aptitude, knowledge and a bunch of other stuff. I am not sure how that equates to something called "intelligence".

In my opinion, an objective "intelligence" test should be able to be given to a population with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and environments and get a common result.

And of course, deep down, I believe that the amount of intelligence (how ever that is defined) is less important than how a person uses their intelligence.

I am not an especially intelligent person, but I like to think that due to hard work, I use what I have pretty well. I can't solve problems quickly, but ultimately, I do come up with the right answer.

Compare to this to one of The Frau's children who evidently aced all these intelligence tests but only after turning 40 was able to get a decent job.

I also dated, for a very shot time, this woman who was a member of Mensa. (How can you know if a person is a member of Mensa? Just wait, they will tell you). She was, in her own words "too smart to work for anyone" Yikes! Well one thing was clear, she was unable to keep a job! I was not totally onboard with her position that she was "too smart".

In the short time we dated, the only topic she was knowledgeable about was how intelligent she was.

I just think that intelligence is a concept, but not necessarily a measurable one. It is influenced by a lot of factors and at its best, it can represent potential, but does not represent actual capability.

05-26-19, 06:48 AM	#9
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,366 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	I have serious concerns in any methodology that attempts to measure "intelligence". I have seen, and taken, multiple tests that evaluate problem solving, visualization, abstract reasoning, aptitude, knowledge and a bunch of other stuff. I am not sure how that equates to something called "intelligence". In my opinion, an objective "intelligence" test should be able to be given to a population with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and environments and get a common result. And of course, deep down, I believe that the amount of intelligence (how ever that is defined) is less important than how a person uses their intelligence. I am not an especially intelligent person, but I like to think that due to hard work, I use what I have pretty well. I can't solve problems quickly, but ultimately, I do come up with the right answer. Compare to this to one of The Frau's children who evidently aced all these intelligence tests but only after turning 40 was able to get a decent job. I also dated, for a very shot time, this woman who was a member of Mensa. (How can you know if a person is a member of Mensa? Just wait, they will tell you). She was, in her own words "too smart to work for anyone" Yikes! Well one thing was clear, she was unable to keep a job! I was not totally onboard with her position that she was "too smart". In the short time we dated, the only topic she was knowledgeable about was how intelligent she was. I just think that intelligence is a concept, but not necessarily a measurable one. It is influenced by a lot of factors and at its best, it can represent potential, but does not represent actual capability. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.