Define your terms! In Chapter 1, we learned that this was an important guideline with regard to critical thinking. People refer to intelligence all the time, but how is intelligence usually defined?

Question

Does the musical genius of a world-class violinist count as intelligence? Based on your reading of Chapter 9, describe different ways that intelligence has been defined.
What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: A good answer will include the following key points.
• Intelligence has been defined in many ways.
• Abilities that are often included in a definition of intelligence are:
o The ability to reason abstractly;
o The ability to learn and profit from experience in daily life;
o The ability to think rationally; and
o The ability to act purposefully.
• Some theorists view intelligence as a single thing (a general intellectual ability or g factor).
• Others view intelligence as a combination of multiple abilities.
o Sternberg's triarchic theory of intelligence includes componential intelligence, experiential or creative intelligence, and contextual or practical intelligence.
o Others distinguish between the traditional intellectual intelligence and emotional intelligence.
• Finally, some people solve the problem by saying that intelligence is that which is measured by intelligence tests.
• Clearly there is little agreement on exactly what intelligence is.