Intelligence is one of the most discussed subjects in psychology and other cognitive disciplines. It has been studied and conceptualized since ancient times. However, there is neither a standard definition of this notion nor a consensus on its types. This essay aims to consider the concept of intelligence and dwell on its most peculiar aspects.
Generally understood as “the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly and learn from experience” (Burkart et al., 2017, p. 2), intelligence can be viewed as a specific quality characterizing a person, or a set of different abilities. One of the attempts to describe multiple intelligences was by Howard Gardner. According to the researcher, there are eight intelligences: musical-rhythmic, visual-spatial, verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic (Gardner, 1983). Over the years, this categorization has been criticized and studied, and new theories keep on emerging every year.
Another issue connected to the concept of intelligence is the question of intelligence measurement. Over the years, multiple techniques, based on psychometric theories that see intelligence as a measurable ability, have been proposed. However, with IQ tests being continuously improved and standardized, researchers are still debating their validity and usefulness.
What I find more comprehensive is the phenomena of emotional intelligence defined as the ability to identify, assess, control, and understand emotions. This human capability seems highly relevant in everyday life, and, in my opinion, much more important to be developed. Without being able to recognize and manage emotions, being aware of other people’s mental states, and knowing how to deal with them, other abilities – planning, problem-solving, learning – seem secondary.
References
Burkart, J.M., Schubiger, M.N., & Schaik, C. P. van. (2017). The evolution of general intelligence. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 40, 1-67. Web.
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New York: Basic Books.