An exploration of the definition of intelligence

So what is intelligence? It turns out it's not so easy to pin down. The science-fiction fable ”the flowers of Algernon” deals in a very realistic manner with how society attaches status to intelligence, Charlie the main protagonist starts out as educationally subnormal in a menial job almost wholly unaware of his environment and the attitudes of his co-workers . After an operation to improve his intellect he then progresses through a number of stages to average ,above-average and eventually super genius levels of intelligence before returning to his original state at the end of the novel.The ultimate irony being that is just as isolated as a genius as he was in his menial job.

Theoretical physicist and Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman once took an IQ test in high school and was found to be of average intelligence. This begs the question what is IQ supposed to measure? And more importantly what aspects of intelligence does miss out ? There would seem to be no correlation in this regard in terms of assessment and actual ability.

In school academia is given great emphasis for development, with academic attainment and success in exams being the ultimate goal rather than developing the whole individual. Linguistic and logical and mathematical reasoning are assigned supreme status but these abilities only make up a small part of what is now known as the theory of multiple intelligences which also includes spatial, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal and bodily kinaesthetic awareness. These types of intelligence are all to often undervalued by the educational system , despite the fact that they  form an important psychosocial role for any individual. Educationalist Sir Ken Robinson argues in favour of a more holistic view of the role of education devoloped to suit the needs of the post -industrial age.An approach to  individual needs with in the schooling system.Stressing all areas of multiple intellence, as history is full of great scientists who have also been denizens of the arts, true polymaths it seems a more fruitfull method. One needs look no further than keen violinist Albert Einstein and fine artists Leonardo da Vinci and Richard Feynman to see that the arts inform the creative scientific process. There really is no need in these modern times to choose between one of the so-called two cultures in order to pursue only one in depth after-school options at age of 13.

Another ill considered aspect of intelligence is collective intelligence which is readily demonstrated with the behaviour of insects in the animal kingdom. With the Internet and other resources for fast mass communication across the globe we now have more access to information and contact with individuals across the globe than ever. It's often said that the place where most problems get  solved within the University faculty is in the canteen where members of different disciplines share their problems ,approaches and current ideas with one another across numerous diverse fields.

As an adult dyslexia I know but short-term memory is weak and so I struggle in exams were spelling under time pressure is also an issue. I do however excel at reasoning and lateral thinking my way around problems in fact problem-solving and pattern recognition of traits I feel a large number of dyslexic individuals are highly skilled in. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying “knowledge is not enough we most instead develop or curiosity “and this for me as a true definition of intelligence for with our curiosity we remain ever open to new ideas and viewpoints on the world.