From: Rafal Smigrodzki (rms2g@virginia.edu)
Date: Thu Sep 19 2002 - 13:02:40 MDT
Peter McCluskey wrote:
>
> Chapter 3 of The Rising Curve make a serious argument that the
> definition of intelligence and the importance attached to it vary a
> good deal between cultures. I.e. making intelligence tests good
> predictors of success in western societies can cause them to be
> biased towards something rather different from what someone in
> Bangladesh wants to excel at.
### Intelligence may be defined functionally as the set of cognitive
capabilities needed to excel in science, and technology, all well
approximated by scholastic success, which in turn is best predicted by
current IQ tests. Since we attach great value to the objective achievements
of science, and technology (bridges, for example), this definition and the
tests predicated on it are useful and important.
Should someone want to define intelligence using other criteria (such as
"deference to elders", mentioned in another post), that definition and any
tests based on it, will be of little value to a society which wants to have
well-built bridges, and a high standard of living.
Of course, a cultural relativist might protest that the other definitions of
intelligence are ethically just as valid. Well, when I chose the society to
join I made up my mind based on more tangible criteria. Good bridges are one
of them.
-------
>
>> 17. Although the environment is important in creating IQ
>> differences, we do not know yet how to manipulate it to raise low
>> IQs permanently. Whether recent attempts show promise is still a
>> matter of considerable scientific debate.
>
> The Flynn effect raises some doubts about this claim. There's a good
> deal of uncertainty, but Geoffrey Miller's book The Mating Mind
> strongly hints at an explanation that implies we do know how to raise
> intelligence.
### The Flynn effect is not caused by an identifiable manipulation of the
environment, aimed at increasing IQ. It is a mysterious phenomenon and does
not provide an answer to the question of how to increase intelligence.
You whetted my appetite: what are the "strong hints" in Mr. Miller's book?
Rafal
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