No one knows exactly what we mean by intelligence, but as Justice Potter Stewart of the US Supreme Court said in 1964, “Intelligence is like porn, difficult to define, but you know it when you see it.” When we observe members of our species we see some who learn quickly, can solve problems easily, and can articulate ideas clearly. Others struggle with abstract concepts, learn more slowly, and have difficulty expressing themselves. To describe this variation in human capability, we use the term, intelligence. Unlike concepts in physics where qualities tend to have a more precise mathematical definition, the term intelligence is somewhat enigmatic. Perhaps the most widely accepted definition is the one articulated by psychologist Linda Gottfredson:
Intelligence is a very general mental capability that, among other things, involves the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly, and learn from experience. It is not merely book-learning, a narrow academic skill, or test-taking smarts. Rather, it reflects a broader and deeper capability for comprehending our surroundings, “catching on,” “making sense” of things, or “figuring out” what to do.
For more information on the correlation of intelligence (as measured by IQ) and job performance, visit: What Scientific Evidence validates IQ tests as a measure of intelligence? – Intelligence and IQ
Highly intelligent people often display good judgment, but when they make mistakes, they are sometimes “whoppers.” To explore the difference between intelligence and good judgment (wisdom), visit, What’s the Difference between Intelligence, Wisdom and Cleverness? – Intelligence and IQ On that site, you will find a link that tells the story of a highly intelligent physicist who was caught in a “honey trap.”
Highly intelligent people are typically independent thinkers who don’t buy into consensus or what some call, “common sense.” This often enables them to see beyond most others, however when the trust in their own opinions falls prey to confirmation bias, they make major blunders.
