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ArishMell · 70-79, M
How would the SW Robot define or describe "Intelligence"?
The traditional intelligence-tests supposedly measuring the so-called "Intelligence Quotient" really only assesses your ability to solve puzzles by such methods as identifying patterns, classifying objects and a rather ditected form of logical deduction. Their primary use was in assessing ability to learn.
Itelligence Quotient" though... The Quotient is the answer of a division "sum": 12/4 = 3 so 3 is the quotient. So what is the division, or ratio, in question?
It turns out it is indeed arithmetical. The "IQ" does have a valid statistical meaning by using several standard tests and population-compartive studies; but we are human beings, not machines, so how artificial or natural is classifying mental abilities in this way?
Is one any less intelligent through being hopeless at school but very creative in the arts or crafts?
Do you need a higher or lower IQ or a different "sort" of IQ to be fluent in French although unable to learn Maths - or vice-versa?
Is a skilled metalworker less intelligent than a professional mathematician or a top-flight violinist?
Does inability to play chess or understand physics mean you are unintelligent?
Is the absent-minded "genius" unintelligent for despite having prodigious academic prowess, keeps forgetting to pick up the cat-food on the way home from work?
.....
Do I think I am "intelligent"?
Allegedly, according to my NHS records, I was unusually highly intelligent when young but I have my doubts. I was never the scholar. I am no brighter than anyone else, I have my strengths and weaknesses, I can learn some things to certain but not very high levels and other things to far lower levels, I have steered clear of really bad things over the years but am as capable of making mistakes as anyone else....
Still, the question was posed by a "robot", and we can't expect a "robot" to ask very intelligent questions!
The traditional intelligence-tests supposedly measuring the so-called "Intelligence Quotient" really only assesses your ability to solve puzzles by such methods as identifying patterns, classifying objects and a rather ditected form of logical deduction. Their primary use was in assessing ability to learn.
Itelligence Quotient" though... The Quotient is the answer of a division "sum": 12/4 = 3 so 3 is the quotient. So what is the division, or ratio, in question?
It turns out it is indeed arithmetical. The "IQ" does have a valid statistical meaning by using several standard tests and population-compartive studies; but we are human beings, not machines, so how artificial or natural is classifying mental abilities in this way?
Is one any less intelligent through being hopeless at school but very creative in the arts or crafts?
Do you need a higher or lower IQ or a different "sort" of IQ to be fluent in French although unable to learn Maths - or vice-versa?
Is a skilled metalworker less intelligent than a professional mathematician or a top-flight violinist?
Does inability to play chess or understand physics mean you are unintelligent?
Is the absent-minded "genius" unintelligent for despite having prodigious academic prowess, keeps forgetting to pick up the cat-food on the way home from work?
.....
Do I think I am "intelligent"?
Allegedly, according to my NHS records, I was unusually highly intelligent when young but I have my doubts. I was never the scholar. I am no brighter than anyone else, I have my strengths and weaknesses, I can learn some things to certain but not very high levels and other things to far lower levels, I have steered clear of really bad things over the years but am as capable of making mistakes as anyone else....
Still, the question was posed by a "robot", and we can't expect a "robot" to ask very intelligent questions!
ElwoodBlues · M
@ArishMell They test for what's easy to test for, and they mash it all into a single number. That leaves a lot out. For instance, my wife is much better than me at organizational tasks, managerial tasks, and reading & understanding people. I'm better than her at calculus, linear algebra, and physics. Our different skills brought us success in different areas, but mine are easier to test for.
Now, showing off my linear algebra knowledge, I'll say that what we call "IQ" is the largest eigenvector of a high dimensional covariance matrix. Howard Gardner made strong arguments for eight independent dimensions of "intelligence" and there may be more. The largest eigenvector might represent 1/3 of the total observed variation, so ignoring the other components leaves out most of the "intelligence."
Now, showing off my linear algebra knowledge, I'll say that what we call "IQ" is the largest eigenvector of a high dimensional covariance matrix. Howard Gardner made strong arguments for eight independent dimensions of "intelligence" and there may be more. The largest eigenvector might represent 1/3 of the total observed variation, so ignoring the other components leaves out most of the "intelligence."
ArishMell · 70-79, M
@ElwoodBlues Ah, but what you demonstrate there is your ability to learn extremely complicated and difficult mathematics. (At levels always impossible for me to attain, at that.)
That does indeed demand high IQ, but you also admit being less strong at managerial and organising skills - which also need a good level of intelligence. Now, I'd be no good at them, but I do know being a good manager needs the ability not only to read spreadsheets and concoct lots of meetings, but also to direct people, a very different gift again and not something an ordinary IQ test could examine.
The types of IQ test I, probably many others, know are basically puzzles. A friend who is a retired medical lecturer once explained to me the IQ tests most of us know were designed mainly to rate children's future educational prowess, and omit areas like creativity and originality. I asked, "Such as?".
She thought for a moment and suggested, "Perhaps list as many uses as possible for an empty carboard carton".
That does indeed demand high IQ, but you also admit being less strong at managerial and organising skills - which also need a good level of intelligence. Now, I'd be no good at them, but I do know being a good manager needs the ability not only to read spreadsheets and concoct lots of meetings, but also to direct people, a very different gift again and not something an ordinary IQ test could examine.
The types of IQ test I, probably many others, know are basically puzzles. A friend who is a retired medical lecturer once explained to me the IQ tests most of us know were designed mainly to rate children's future educational prowess, and omit areas like creativity and originality. I asked, "Such as?".
She thought for a moment and suggested, "Perhaps list as many uses as possible for an empty carboard carton".