Intelligence

Intelligence is a general mental capability that involves the ability to
reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend ideas/language,
and learn. While the definition and importance of intelligence is an issue
of some controversy, especially in the popular press, a consensus opinion
exists among intelligence researchers on many issues.

Intelligence tests are often used to quantify human intelligence. This is
not without controversy; see below for more information.

When considering animal intelligence, a more general definition of
intelligence might be applied: the "ability to adapt effectively to the
environment, either by making a change in oneself or by changing the
environment or finding a new one" (Encyclop¾dia Britannica).

Some thinkers have explored the idea of collective intelligence, arising
from the coordination of many people.

Some computer scientists are involved in artificial intelligence, which
seeks to make computers act in increasingly intelligent ways.

Many people speculate about the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence.

Intelligence tests

Intelligence, narrowly defined, can be measured by intelligence tests. They
are among the most accurate (reliable and valid) psychological
tests, but they are not intended to measure creativity, personality,
character, or wisdom. Intelligence tests take many forms, but they all
measure the same intelligence. The general factor measured by each
intelligence test is known as g.

Some researchers have proposed that intelligence is not a single quantity or
concept, but really consists of a set of relatively independent abilities.
Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, for
example, breaks intelligence down into the seven different components:
logical, linguistic, spatial, musical, kinesthetic, intra-personal and
inter-personal intelligences. Daniel Goleman and several other researchers
have developed the concept of emotional intelligence and claim it is at
least as important as more traditional sorts of intelligence.

Proponents of multiple-intelligence theories often claim that g is, at best,
a measure of academic ability. Other types of intelligence, they claim,
might be just as important outside of a school setting.

In response, g theorists have argued that multiple intelligences have not
been borne out when actually tested and that g actually has a substantial
impact on personal affairs, including job performance.

Controversies

Researchers in the field of human intelligence have encountered a
considerable amount of pubic concern and criticism; much more than many
scientists would be accustomed to or comfortable with. Some of the
controversial topics include:

   * the relevance of psychometric intelligence to the common sense
     understanding of the topic
   * the importance of intelligence in everyday life
   * the genetic and environmental contributions to individual variation in
     intelligence (see Nature versus nurture).
   * differences in average measured intelligence between racial groups and
     sexes; and the source and meaning of these differences (see Race and
     intelligence).

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Intelligence is also used in a different sense, to describe the process of
covertly gathering and analysing otherwise secret information. See
espionage, intelligence agencies.

In yet another sense, Business intelligence denotes the public or secret
information that an organization obtains about its competitors and market.

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Military intelligence is an element of warfare which covers the aspects of
gaining information over the enemy forces. It involves spying, look-outs,
high-tech survaillance equipement and also secret agents.

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